Trump plans $100bn US arms deal with Saudi Arabia

The United States is preparing to offer Saudi Arabia an arms deal worth more than $100 billion, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The announcement is expected to coincide with Donald Trump's upcoming visit to the kingdom in May.

This proposed deal follows an earlier, unsuccessful attempt by the previous administration to secure a defence agreement with Riyadh. That effort had tied access to advanced US weapons with conditions on curbing arms purchases from China and limiting Chinese investment in the country. It is still unclear whether the new offer includes any similar requirements.

A US defence official commented that cooperation between Washington and Riyadh remains robust and that addressing Saudi Arabia’s defence needs continues to be a priority.

Major American defence contractors are expected to be involved in the deal, including Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. The package is likely to feature C-130 aircraft, advanced radars, missiles, and drones. Some elements of the deal, such as a $20 billion proposal involving drones from General Atomics, have been in discussion for several years.

Defence company executives are reportedly considering joining the visiting delegation.

The US has long supplied arms to Saudi Arabia. In 2017, a $110 billion deal was proposed, but only a portion of it materialised due to growing scrutiny in the wake of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This led to a temporary halt in offensive weapons sales under the Biden administration. The restrictions were lifted in 2024, amid broader regional developments and efforts to stabilise relations following major conflicts.

Discussions may also touch on Saudi interest in acquiring F-35 fighter jets. However, any such agreement is expected to be delayed due to longstanding US policy to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.