F-35, American tanks in new US-Saudi Arabia defence deal
The US and Saudi Arabia have formalised the US-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA), strengthening an alliance that has lasted for more than 80 years.
The agreement, signed by US President Donald J. Trump and the Crown Prince of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, is intended to “enhance regional deterrence” and “grow the American industrial base,” a statement released by the White House said.
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The SDA allows US defence companies greater access to operate within Saudi Arabia and establish additional cost-sharing contributions from the Kingdom to offset American expenses.
Alongside the SDA, President Trump approved a major defence sale package for Saudi Arabia, including future deliveries of F-35 fighter aircraft.
The Kingdom also agreed to purchase nearly 300 American-manufactured tanks.
These transactions are set to boost Saudi defence capabilities while supporting job security and production within the US defence industry.
President Trump said: “I’m pleased to announce that we are taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.”
The recent set of agreements follows an earlier phase of cooperation announced during President Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May, where $600bn in investment commitments were made across various sectors.
The earlier agreement involved a defence deal valued at nearly $142bn, described as the “largest defence sales agreement in history”.
In March 2025, the US State Department approved the sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II missiles, valued at approximately $100m (SR375m) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
