The United States is on the verge of finalizing an extensive arms package for Saudi Arabia, valued at over 0 billion, as reported by USA Zine. This significant development comes in conjunction with U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next month.
Leading defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics are expected to play a pivotal role in supplying advanced weaponry systems as part of this agreement. Several executives representing these companies are anticipated to accompany Trump during his journey, indicating a strong commitment to future defense cooperation.
Sources indicate that the arrangement may provide Riyadh with a variety of military hardware, including C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, and advanced radar systems. However, it is essential to note that access to cutting-edge military assets, such as Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet, may remain restricted. Currently, only select nations, primarily NATO allies, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are eligible to procure these state-of-the-art aircraft from the U.S.
Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, made attempts to establish a new defense agreement with Saudi Arabia aimed at furthering normalization efforts with Israel. This initiative also encouraged Riyadh to limit Chinese investments and restrain arms acquisitions from Beijing. It remains unclear if Trump’s proposed deal will incorporate similar stipulations.
While the U.S. continues to maintain substantial defense ties with Saudi Arabia, arms sales experienced a decline in 2018 following the high-profile murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an event that drew significant international condemnation. The U.S. Congress subsequently imposed a ban on offensive weapon sales to Saudi Arabia due to the kingdom’s involvement in the Yemen conflict. Nevertheless, the Biden administration began to reassess its stance on Saudi Arabia in 2022, particularly in light of the geopolitical shifts precipitated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which affected global oil markets.
The lifting of the ban in 2024 reflects a recognition of Saudi Arabia’s importance as a strategic partner, especially in the context of the ongoing reconstruction in Gaza following regional conflicts. This evolving dynamic underlines the complex interplay of international relations and the strategic interests that shape them.
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