The United States is preparing to sign a $100 billion arms agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to six informed sources cited by Reuters on Friday.
The report states that American defence giant Lockheed Martin will supply Saudi Arabia with a suite of advanced weapons systems, including C-130 transport aircraft, along with missile systems and radar technologies.
In addition, Raytheon Technologies is expected to contribute to the deal, alongside other major U.S. defence contractors such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics.
A Pentagon official told Reuters that the defence relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Donald Trump. The official emphasised that maintaining security cooperation with Riyadh remains a key element of the partnership, and that Washington is committed to fulfilling the kingdom’s defence requirements.
According to Reuters, the arms deal is anticipated to be officially announced during President Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia in May.
The news agency also noted that the previous administration, under President Joe Biden, had attempted, unsuccessfully, to secure a defence agreement with Riyadh as part of a broader initiative aimed at normalising Saudi-Israeli relations.
In a related development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Riyadh in mid-February, marking the second stop on his first Middle East tour. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Rubio arrived in the Saudi capital from Israel, where he held talks with senior Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions reportedly focused on key regional issues, including President Trump’s proposed plan for post-war governance of the Gaza Strip.
