- The U.S. approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 M1 Abrams tanks to Saudi Arabia under a new Strategic Defense Agreement.
- The agreement also streamlines future defense cooperation and authorizes broader U.S. defense industry access to Saudi markets.
The White House has announced a major arms package for Saudi Arabia under a newly signed U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA), confirming that Washington has approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 M1 Abrams tanks to Riyadh.
According to the White House, the SDA was signed by President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The agreement is described as strengthening the long-standing U.S.-Saudi defense partnership and reinforcing deterrence across the Middle East.
“The U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement is a historic agreement that strengthens our more than 80-year defense partnership and fortifies deterrence across the Middle East,” the statement said.
The agreement includes future deliveries of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, which had previously been under restriction for export to the Kingdom. In a statement, the White House said the sale “strengthens the U.S. defense industrial base and ensures Saudi Arabia continues to buy American.”
President Trump also approved the sale of approximately 300 M1 Abrams main battle tanks. The statement noted that this deal “enables Saudi Arabia to build up its own defense capabilities and safeguard hundreds of American jobs.”
While no contract details were disclosed, the SDA is expected to ease regulatory pathways for future defense cooperation and facilitate joint projects. “The SDA is a win for the America First agenda,” the statement added, “making it easier for U.S. defense firms to operate in Saudi Arabia, securing new burden-sharing funds from Saudi Arabia to defray U.S. costs, and affirming that the Kingdom views the United States as its primary strategic partner.”
The White House emphasized that the agreement is designed to enhance regional stability and reduce long-term U.S. defense expenditures by increasing allied contributions to shared security efforts. “The President secured agreements reinforcing America’s role as a regional security enabler,” the statement said, “enhancing our U.S. military partnerships to better allow partners to deter and defeat threats.”
In addition to tanks and fighters, further weapons systems are under discussion. These include the potential sale of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and “Gambit” loyal wingman-type unmanned combat aircraft, which would expand Saudi Arabia’s air domain capabilities.
The agreement reflects a broader strategic alignment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia amid ongoing regional tensions and evolving threats, including Iranian missile and drone proliferation.