The United States is preparing to unveil a sweeping arms package for Saudi Arabia worth over $100 billion, according to six sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
The proposed deal, which could be announced during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May, underscores Washington’s evolving defence relationship with Riyadh.
The development follows the Biden administration’s failed attempt to secure a comprehensive defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. That earlier proposal was aimed at normalising ties between the kingdom and Israel, and had offered access to advanced U.S. weaponry in exchange for a halt to Chinese arms acquisitions and limitations on Chinese investment in Saudi infrastructure.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s arms package includes similar conditions. The White House and the Saudi government’s communications office declined to comment when approached by Reuters.
A U.S. defence official, however, expressed confidence in the current trajectory of bilateral security ties, stating: “Our defence 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 defence needs.”
The proposed package is expected to include a broad range of military hardware, involving major American defence firms such as Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon Technologies), Boeing, Northrop Grumman and General Atomics. Lockheed Martin may supply C-130 transport aircraft, radars, and missile systems, while General Atomics is reportedly nearing a $20bn agreement involving MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and other aircraft.
Several defence executives are also reportedly considering joining the U.S. delegation accompanying Trump to the kingdom, three of the sources said.
If finalised, the deal could rival the $110bn arms agreement proposed during Trump’s first term in 2017. However, that earlier deal saw only $14.5bn worth of sales initiated by 2018, and was subsequently scrutinised by the U.S. Congress following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
In response to the killing and Riyadh’s role in the Yemen conflict, the U.S. Congress imposed a ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in 2021. However, the ban was gradually lifted in 2024 as geopolitical shifts — notably the fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the October 7 Hamas attack — prompted closer U.S.-Saudi coordination, including on the post-war reconstruction of Gaza.
Any final arms deal would still be subject to congressional approval, as mandated under U.S. law. Lawmakers have historically insisted that Israel retains a “Qualitative Military Edge” (QME) over its regional neighbours, limiting the scope of advanced weapons available to Arab states.
Though Saudi interest in acquiring the F-35 stealth fighter has been longstanding, three sources downplayed the possibility of a deal on the jet during the upcoming trip. Israel, which began operating the F-35 nine years ago, has built multiple squadrons and remains the only country in the Middle East authorised to operate the aircraft.
