Middle East Embraces Space Race

As Middle Eastern countries expand their capabilities in multidomain operations, many states have integrated satellite technology into its military force structures. Nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Iran are investing in space programs not just for commercial or scientific purposes, but to strengthen their military capabilities and compete in the global defense market. With ambitions to establish self-reliant space infrastructures, these countries are positioning themselves as regional leaders and aim to enhance surveillance, communications, and overall strategic reach through space-based assets.

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Space Agency (SSA) was originally established as the Saudi Space Commission in 2018. Saudi Arabia does not have space launch vehicles of its own and has relied on the Ariane 5 and Long March 2D to place recent satellites into orbit. The SaudiSat-5A and -5B were launched in China on the Long March 2D in 2018 and are earth observation and technology demonstration satellites developed by the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology. The two satellites are suspected of having military purposes.  The Saudi Geo Satellite 1/Hellas-Sat-4 satellite, a collaboration between Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Lockheed Martin, was launched in 2019 on a Ariane 5 rocket and is a dual payload geostationary condosat. Older satellites, such as the SaudiSat-2, -3, and -4 were launched on Russian Dnieper rockets. The Saudi government continues to promote its space ambitions through various private entities and projects which align with Saudi Vision 2030. Most recently, Neo Space Group stated its intentions of leasing multi-orbit capacity to compete in the satellite market with the intention of owning its own constellation in the future.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a robust space program spearheaded by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) which has strategic objectives that include attracting talent, private sector investment, and establishing international partnerships. The UAE relies on commercial and foreign government space launch vehicles and has placed several commercial and military satellites in orbit. The UAE’s first spy satellites, Falcon Eye 1 and Falcon Eye 2, were built in collaboration with Airbus Defense and Space and launched in collaboration with Arianespace. Falcon Eye 1 is not in operation as Arianespace’s Vega rocket experienced a launch failure in 2019. The Falcon Eye 2 was successfully launched on an Arianespace Soyuz rocket in 2020 and is currently operational. In 2024, UAE’s EDGE Group created FADA which will focus on advanced satellite technologies meant for domestic research and development. The UAE will, no doubt, be a major competitor in the region and will seek to launch more of its satellites into orbit.

Oman and Qatar are two Middle Eastern countries that have been making significant strides in their space programs. Oman has been focusing on developing its own satellite launch capabilities, with plans to build a spaceport and acquire its first national satellite. The country aims to boost its digital economy and establish itself as a regional leader in space technology.

Qatar, on the other hand, has been investing in space research and education. The Qatar Space Agency has been working to develop the country's space infrastructure and capabilities, with a focus on remote sensing, satellite communications, and space exploration. Qatar has also been collaborating with international partners to advance its space program.

Both Oman and Qatar's space programs are still relatively new, but they have the potential to contribute significantly to the region's economic development and technological advancement.

Iran's space program has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with a focus on developing domestic launch capabilities and satellite technology. The country's space agency, the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), has successfully launched several satellites into orbit, including communication, remote sensing, and scientific research satellites. Iran has also developed its own launch vehicle, such as the Safir series, which have been used to launch satellites into orbit. Comparatively speaking with other countries, Iran has had numerous failures in launching with some successes. This is hardly surprising as the country is subject to international sanctions. The sanctions have made it difficult for Iran to procure components for its satellites and launch vehicles, as well as to collaborate with international partners.

Despite these challenges, Iran has continued to make progress in its space program, demonstrating its determination to develop its space capabilities. The Iranian space market is relatively small compared to other countries, but it has been growing steadily. Iran has been investing in space infrastructure and research and development, with the aim of becoming a regional leader in space technology. The country's space program has also been used to promote national pride and prestige.

Middle Eastern nations continue to develop their space programs by building their technical capabilities and reinforcing their defense strategies across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains. With growing investments in satellite technology and collaborations with international partners, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman are positioning themselves to compete on a global scale. Iran is also competing in this space race, but sanctions and geopolitical pressures have complicated Tehran’s efforts to sustain its lead as Gulf states push forward with their own advanced space-related initiatives. This expansion into space reflects a broader vision: to secure a foothold in the defense market, bolster national security, and establish regional leadership in an era where influence reaches beyond the earth's atmosphere. As these nations push forward, their space ambitions will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the region's strategic landscape.