Arms Deal
The United States is preparing to offer Saudi Arabia a comprehensive arms package exceeding $100 billion, according to six sources with direct knowledge of the matter. The proposal is expected to be unveiled during President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the kingdom in May, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi defense relations.
This development follows the unsuccessful attempt by former President Joe Biden’s administration to finalize a defense agreement with Riyadh. Biden’s proposal aimed to secure a broader diplomatic arrangement, including Saudi normalization of ties with Israel, in exchange for access to advanced U.S. weaponry.
The deal also required curbs on Chinese arms purchases and investment in Saudi Arabia—terms that were ultimately not accepted. It remains unclear whether the Trump administration’s proposed package includes similar conditions.
Neither the White House nor the Saudi government responded to requests for comment. However, a U.S. defense official stated, “Our defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership.
Maintaining our security cooperation remains an important component of this partnership and we will continue to work with Saudi Arabia to address their defense needs.”
Lockheed Martin is reportedly poised to supply a variety of advanced weapons systems, including C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, and radar systems. RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon Technologies) is also expected to play a key role, alongside other major U.S. defense firms such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics.
Although many of the deals have been under negotiation for years, including a $20 billion proposal for General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, several sources say the Trump administration aims to revive and finalize them during this visit. Defense executives from multiple firms are considering accompanying the U.S. delegation to the region.
Trump previously touted weapons sales to Saudi Arabia as a boon for American jobs. In 2017, his administration proposed $110 billion in arms sales to the kingdom. However, by 2018, only $14.5 billion in sales had been initiated, prompting congressional scrutiny.
Under U.S. law, large-scale international arms sales must undergo congressional review. Although Congress imposed a ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in 2021 under Biden, the ban was lifted in 2024 amid shifting geopolitical dynamics following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the October 7 attack in the Middle East.
While a possible sale of Lockheed’s F-35 fighter jets is expected to be discussed, sources say a formal agreement is unlikely during this visit. The U.S. maintains a longstanding policy of ensuring Israel’s “Qualitative Military Edge” in the region, having supplied Israel with F-35s for nearly a decade.
