The United States is poised to supply Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art military technology, including the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets, signaling a major expansion of defense cooperation. President Donald Trump announced these plans, emphasizing the strength of the U.S.-Saudi alliance during a US-Saudi Investment Forum. He stated that the Kingdom has been designated a ‘major non-NATO ally’ and that a significant strategic defense pact has been signed, paving the way for the sale of top-tier American military hardware, including hundreds of tanks and advanced aircraft.
Trump connected this increased defense collaboration to the recent U.S. action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, portraying it as a pivotal moment that has solidified the relationship between the two nations. He recounted the success of the operation, which he described as eliminating a major regional destabilizer and potentially leading Iran to seek diplomatic resolutions. The President also detailed the capabilities demonstrated during a classified strike involving undetectable B-2 bombers.
Beyond military sales, the visit facilitated substantial economic agreements across civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia’s significant investment in the U.S. economy was a key theme, with a new pledge of $1 trillion adding to previous commitments, promising considerable job creation for American workers.
The visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was met with considerable ceremony at the White House, reflecting the enhanced diplomatic standing. In bilateral discussions, the Crown Prince articulated Saudi Arabia’s support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for regional peace and cooperation. The decision to approve F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia marks a significant policy shift, as this technology has historically been exclusive to Israel, though U.S. officials affirm that Israel’s military superiority will be maintained.
