Saudi Arabia has limited military-industrial capacity and has therefore spent heavily on imported cutting-edge weaponry. (EPA Images pic)RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has poured vast sums into advanced weaponry, yet recent deadly strikes, particularly at Riyadh airport, have exposed shortcomings in its ability to fend off relentless Houthi attacks.

The deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade struck Riyadh airport on Saturday, killing 12 people and wounding more than 300, forcing diplomatic missions to warn their citizens to avoid the facility.

The repeated missile and drone strikes have also damaged the oil-rich kingdom's reputation for stability.

The repeated Houthi attacks are stretching Saudi air defences and likely depleting interceptors, which reports suggest have been in short supply worldwide.