Repeated attacks have exposed gaps in the kingdom’s ability to protect its cities, airports and critical infrastructure.
The strikes have killed at least 14 people and disrupted daily life, with schools closed and residents urged to remain indoors.
The Houthis have relied on a mix of drones and missiles, weapons that can be launched relatively cheaply and in large numbers.
Saudi air defenses, including advanced systems supplied by the United States, can intercept many threats but are not designed to guarantee protection against every attack.
The geography of the conflict also complicates the response. Launch sites in Yemen are difficult to monitor and destroy, while low-flying drones can be harder to detect than traditional missiles.
The attacks have raised broader questions about the limits of even sophisticated military arsenals, particularly when defenses must respond to unpredictable, relatively inexpensive weapons. For Saudi Arabia, the challenge is not only intercepting incoming strikes but also preventing the next launch.