The United States is preparing to unveil a massive arms deal for Saudi Arabia valued at over $100 billion, according to six individuals with firsthand knowledge of the negotiations, Reuters reports. The proposed agreement is expected to be officially announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May.
This planned deal follows the Biden administration’s failed attempt to secure a similar agreement with Riyadh, which was intended to be part of a larger initiative that included Saudi recognition of Israel. That effort ultimately stalled and did not reach finalization.
In its earlier attempt, the Biden administration offered Riyadh access to cutting-edge U.S. military equipment in exchange for ending its weapons transactions with China and reducing Chinese economic activity in the country. Reuters has not confirmed whether those same stipulations are part of the Trump administration’s proposal.
At the time of reporting, there had been no official statements from the White House, the Pentagon, or the Saudi government. During his first term, Trump frequently touted arms sales to Saudi Arabia as beneficial for the American economy and domestic employment.
Sources said that Lockheed Martin Corp is expected to contribute heavily to the deal, with the delivery of advanced military hardware, including C-130 transport planes. One insider noted that missiles and radar systems from Lockheed would also be part of the deal.
RTX Corp, previously known as Raytheon Technologies, is also projected to play a major role, along with other American defense giants such as Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman Corp, and General Atomics. Four of the sources mentioned these companies would be key contributors.
Due to the sensitivity surrounding the negotiations, all sources requested anonymity.
Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop, and General Atomics declined to issue any statements when contacted. Boeing had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.
Reuters was unable to determine how many of the proposed transactions are newly developed versus long-standing discussions. Two sources indicated that many of the items had been on the table for years, including a 2018 inquiry from Saudi Arabia about drones manufactured by General Atomics.
According to one of the sources, discussions over a $20 billion deal for MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and other aerial equipment from General Atomics have gained momentum over the past year.
Three sources noted that executives from the defense sector are weighing whether to accompany U.S. officials on the visit to the region as part of a larger delegation.
The United States has maintained a long-standing defense relationship with Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Trump proposed arms sales totaling approximately $110 billion to the kingdom.
By 2018, only $14.5 billion of those agreements had moved forward, and congressional scrutiny intensified following the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
In response to that incident, Congress imposed a ban on the sale of offensive weaponry to Riyadh in 2021 under the Biden administration, partly to push for an end to Saudi involvement in the war in Yemen, which had caused significant civilian harm.
All major U.S. weapons exports must undergo congressional review prior to final approval, as mandated by American law.
Washington’s approach to Saudi Arabia shifted again in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which sent shockwaves through global oil markets. The restrictions on offensive arms sales were lifted in 2024, with U.S.-Saudi cooperation intensifying after Hamas’s October 7 attack, as both countries sought to coordinate plans for post-war Gaza.
There is also potential for renewed talks over Saudi Arabia’s long-standing interest in acquiring Lockheed’s F-35 fighter jets, although three sources said such a deal remains unlikely to be signed during the upcoming visit.
Despite the potential arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. maintains a commitment to preserving Israel’s strategic military superiority in the region. This doctrine, known as the “Qualitative Military Edge,” ensures that Israel continues to receive the most advanced American defense technology. Israel has operated the F-35 for nine years and has already built several squadrons.
{Matzav.com}