The United States is preparing to offer over $100 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, according to six sources familiar with the matter. The package is expected to be announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May.
The proposed deal includes advanced weapons systems from major U.S. defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. The package may feature C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, radars, and possibly MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources said.
A $20 billion drone deal with General Atomics has gained momentum over the past year, one source added.
It remains unclear how many components of the package are new. Several have reportedly been under discussion since 2018. Three sources said defence executives are expected to travel to Riyadh as part of the U.S. delegation.
The Biden administration previously attempted to seal a defence pact with Saudi Arabia tied to normalising relations with Israel. That plan included limiting Chinese arms purchases and investment, but ultimately stalled.
Trump, who previously touted arms sales to Riyadh as job-creating, first proposed $110 billion in deals during his 2017 visit. By 2018, only $14.5 billion had been initiated, and congressional opposition intensified following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Under U.S. law, major weapons sales must be reviewed by Congress. In 2021, President Biden imposed a ban on offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, citing the Yemen war and Khashoggi’s killing. That ban was lifted in 2024, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the October 7 Hamas attack led Washington to re-engage with Riyadh on regional security.
A potential sale of F-35 fighter jets—long sought by Saudi Arabia—could also be discussed, though sources downplayed the chances of a deal being finalised during the visit.
U.S. law mandates that Israel maintain a Qualitative Military Edge (QME), receiving more advanced American weapons than its neighbours. Israel has operated F-35s since 2016.
The White House, Pentagon, and defence firms declined to comment. The Saudi government has not responded to inquiries.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention...
The United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian drone targets near Bandar Abbas after intercepting attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz, raisin...
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the earl...
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the cou...
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the Unite...
Muslim pilgrims are gathering gathering at Mount Mercy on the Plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to mark the Hajj pilgrimage’s most important day.
As dawn broke on Monday, pilgrims began arriving at the sacred site of Mina west of Mecca, marking the start of Hajj - one of the most significant spiritual journeys in Islam.
A proposed nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and non-proliferation experts, who say the deal lacks the strongest safeguards designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese investigators have uncovered hidden tunnels, missing worker trackers and fake underground walls during an initial investigation into the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than 15 years.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
The visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Armenia marks one of the clearest signs yet of Washington’s growing interest in the South Caucasus.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the United States’ long-term commitment to the region.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment