Trump to Finalize Weapons Deals with Saudi Arabia

There’s really no other market quite like America’s arms trade, and when it comes to eager buyers, Saudi Arabia tops the list. This Tuesday, President Trump is expected to close several agreements with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which could potentially lead to billions more in arms sales to this prominent arms importer.

At a press briefing on Monday, Trump indicated that the U.S. is likely to proceed with a plan to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. These jets, regarded as Lockheed Martin’s flagship product, represent some of the most sophisticated military aircraft globally and have become emblematic of U.S. military strength.

Saudi Arabia, buoyed by its oil wealth, stands as a crucial ally for the U.S. in the Middle East. For the United States, this partnership translates into substantial defense revenue while also securing a key ally in the region. For Saudi Arabia, it’s a pathway to advanced military technology and corresponds to its desire to align with major military powers in a region that often experiences instability.

Recent statistics highlighted that from 2020 to 2024, Saudi Arabia emerged as the largest buyer of U.S. weapons—accounting for about 12% of all U.S. arms exports. Following Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Japan were notable purchasers, holding shares of 9.3% and 8.8%, respectively. Additionally, the U.S. provided a staggering 74% of Saudi Arabia’s arms imports during that timeframe.

This heavy spending reflects Saudi Arabia’s military aspirations on a regional scale, while on a global level, the U.S. maintains a significant lead in arms exports. Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. accounted for nearly half of all major weapons sales internationally. Interestingly, five countries, including Saudi Arabia, accounted for a hefty 35% of those global imports, illustrating the concentrated nature of the arms market.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the influential figure in the kingdom and the son of 89-year-old King Salman, has been pivotal in governing daily affairs and representing Saudi interests abroad. This upcoming meeting marks the first time a crown prince has visited the White House in over seven years.

The last encounter between the nations occurred in May, during Trump’s first state visit of his second term, where the reception was grand involving a guard presenting golden swords and an array of Arabian horses accompanying his limousine. Such moments encapsulate the lavish yet strategic essence of the U.S.-Saudi relationship—a dynamic partnership vital to both nations’ objectives.