The United States is set to supply Saudi Arabia with advanced military hardware, including the sophisticated F-35 stealth fighter jets, marking a significant development in defense cooperation. This move, announced by President Donald Trump, underscores a deepening strategic alliance between Washington and Riyadh. During a US-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump revealed plans to sell ‘some of the greatest military equipment ever built’ to the Kingdom, a deal that includes hundreds of American-made tanks and advanced aircraft.
This accelerated defense partnership is directly linked to a strengthened U.S.-Saudi bond, particularly following a recent U.S. operation targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Trump highlighted the success of this operation, emphasizing how it removed a ‘dark cloud’ from the region. He detailed a classified strike involving undetectable B-2 bombers, showcasing precision and overwhelming force. This display of military capability, he suggested, has encouraged Iran to consider negotiations.
Beyond military hardware, the week saw groundbreaking agreements signed in civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to investing in the U.S. economy was reiterated, with a new pledge of $1 trillion in investments, building on a previous announcement of $600 billion. These deals are expected to create thousands of jobs for American workers.
The diplomatic reception for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House was a clear indicator of the elevated status of the relationship. The event featured customary presidential honors, including a mounted honor guard and a flyover by military jets. The Crown Prince also addressed regional peace, expressing Saudi Arabia’s desire to be part of future accords, particularly a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing peaceful coexistence. The potential F-35 sale signifies a policy shift, as the U.S. traditionally maintained Israel’s exclusive access to such advanced weaponry, though officials maintain Israel’s ‘qualitative military edge’ remains a priority.
