Sources familiar with the matter say the deal could be announced during Trump’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next month.
Top US defense firms—including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corp, and General Atomics—are expected to be involved in the weapons package, which may include C-130 transport aircraft, radar systems, and various missile systems.
Executives from these companies are also anticipated to join Trump’s delegation during the visit, signaling the importance of the agreement. However, the report indicates it is unlikely that Saudi Arabia will gain access to the advanced F-35 fighter jet, which is currently limited to key US allies such as NATO members, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
The Biden administration had previously attempted to negotiate a defense pact with Saudi Arabia aimed at normalizing relations with Israeli Occupation and limiting Riyadh’s ties with China. That effort, however, failed to materialize. It remains unclear whether Trump’s proposed deal would include similar conditions.
While the White House and Saudi officials have not commented on the reported deal, a US defense official told Reuters that “security cooperation remains an important component” of Washington’s relationship with Riyadh.
