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The US government has announced a strengthened defence partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including future F-35 aircraft deliveries and nearly 300 American tanks.
Earlier this week, US President Donald J Trump met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the White House.
Both countries have reportedly finalised a series of landmark agreements that deepen the US–Saudi strategic partnership, expand opportunities for high-paying American jobs, strengthen critical supply chains and reinforce regional stability.
“President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the US-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement, a historic agreement that strengthens our more than 80-year defence partnership and fortifies deterrence across the Middle East,” according to a statement from the White House.
“The SDA is a win for the America First agenda, making it easier for US defence firms to operate in Saudi Arabia, securing new burden-sharing funds from the Saudi Arabia to defray US costs, and affirming that the Kingdom views the United States as its primary strategic partner.
“President Trump approved a major defence sale package, including future F-35 deliveries, which strengthens the US defence industrial base and ensures Saudi Arabia continues to buy American.
“The President secured an agreement for Saudi Arabia to purchase nearly 300 American tanks, enabling Saudi Arabia to build up its own defence capabilities and safeguarding hundreds of American jobs.”
Both countries have previously met in May this year in Riyadh to confirm US$600 billion in Saudi investment commitments secured for the United States.
During the most recent meeting, Saudi Arabia confirmed it will be increasing their investment commitments in the United States to almost US$1 trillion.
Key achievements include the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, advancements in critical minerals cooperation, and an AI memorandum of understanding.
In addition, the United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation. The United States and Saudi Arabia also signed a Critical Minerals Framework and an AI memorandum of understanding.
“Saudi Arabia’s nearly $1 trillion investment commitment into US infrastructure, technology and industry, rising from the $600 billion initially secured during the President’s May visit and now expanded this week, will flow directly into American communities,” according to the White House statement.
“The United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to intensify their engagement in the coming weeks on trade issues of mutual interest, including in areas related to reducing non-tariff barriers, recognition of standards, and improving the investment environment.
“Combined with the critical minerals, nuclear, AI, and defence initiatives announced today, these deals will create high-paying American jobs, boost US technological leadership, and deliver massive returns for American workers and families for decades to come.”
