Saudi Defense Ministry relaunches overseas military scholarship program
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has relaunched its overseas military scholarship program with a renewed vision aimed at preparing highly qualified officers through education at leading military academies around the world. The program targets outstanding high school graduates who have bee
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has relaunched its overseas military scholarship program with a renewed vision aimed at preparing highly qualified officers through education at leading military academies around the world. The program targets outstanding high school graduates who have been admitted to the ministry's military colleges, with the goal of producing officers who combine national military training with international expertise to strengthen the readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces and meet their current and future needs. **media[2733124]** Under the program, 250 students will be awarded scholarships each year for five-year programs at 21 distinguished universities, military academies and defense colleges across nine friendly countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Australia, Japan and China. The initiative forms part of the ministry's broader plan to enhance the outcomes of its military colleges. It focuses on three key pillars: military and academic training in line with international standards, leadership and decision-making development, and building a clear professional career path that promotes operational readiness and professionalism. Originally launched several years ago, the program has benefited thousands of talented students and contributed to strengthening their leadership and academic capabilities while enhancing the readiness of the armed forces. It is now being relaunched with an updated vision aligned with the Ministry of Defense's future objectives. **media[2733122]** Maj. Gen. Adel bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, chairman of the Armed Forces Training and Development Authority, said the program supports the ministry's strategic objectives by preparing officers to the highest international standards and equipping them with advanced military knowledge, leadership skills and the ability to operate modern military systems. He said the initiative reflects the Ministry of Defense's strategy to develop human capital by attracting talented Saudi nationals, empowering them and preparing a new generation of military leaders in line with international best practices and future defense requirements.