Historic U.S.-Saudi Defense Deal: Game-Changer in Military Partnership

The U.S. has agreed to sell Saudi Arabia an arms package worth nearly $142 billion, marking the largest defense cooperation agreement between the two nations. This deal, signed during former President Donald Trump’s visit, includes air and missile defense, maritime security, and advanced fighter jets like the F-35.

The United States has entered a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia to sell an arms package valued at approximately $142 billion. According to the White House, this represents the most extensive defense cooperation agreement in U.S. history, underscoring a strengthened partnership between Washington and Riyadh.

Signed during former President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh, the deal includes collaborations with over a dozen U.S. defense firms in areas such as air and missile defense, air force and space advancement, and maritime security. A key point of interest remains whether Saudi Arabia will be permitted to purchase Lockheed's F-35 jets, a premier military aircraft.

Former talks under President Joe Biden's administration failed to finalize a similar defense pact with Riyadh, which is particularly notable given Israel's established access to F-35s. The potential sale raises questions about preserving Israel's qualitative military edge, an ongoing consideration in U.S.-Middle East defense relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)