US plans 0 billion weapons deal with Saudi Arabia amid upcoming Trump visit.
The potential announcement of an extensive arms package between the United States and Saudi Arabia, valued at over 0 billion, is garnering attention as part of US President Donald Trump’s upcoming diplomatic mission to the Middle East. According to ZezapTV, discussions surrounding this significant deal are being accelerated in anticipation of the president’s scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in the coming month.
The proposed agreement is reportedly supported by several leading defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. Executives from these firms are expected to accompany Trump as part of his delegation. The package may include a variety of advanced weaponry, such as C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, and radar systems, that would enhance Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities.
While the deal raises the prospect of bolstering Saudi military resources, it is unlikely that Riyadh will gain access to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets. The sale of these advanced aircraft is restricted to a select group of nations, such as NATO allies, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, due to their sophisticated technology and strategic significance.
In a notable context, President Biden’s earlier efforts to establish a new defense pact with Saudi Arabia aimed to expand regional stability and normalize relations with Israel. This initiative, which sought to impose certain restrictions on Riyadh concerning investments and arms purchases from China, was ultimately unsuccessful. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s current negotiations will pursue similar conditions.
The White House and Saudi officials have not yet commented on the evolving situation. However, a US defense representative emphasized that security cooperation is pivotal in the longstanding relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. This partnership has been characterized by a long history of military support, although arms sales came under scrutiny following the tragic murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The US Congress subsequently enacted a ban on offensive weapon sales to Saudi Arabia in 2021 in reaction to this incident and the kingdom’s involvement in the conflict in Yemen.
Nevertheless, by 2022, the Biden administration adjusted its stance as a response to the global oil market’s volatility following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. By 2024, the previously imposed ban on offensive weapons sales was lifted, recognizing Saudi Arabia’s strategic significance in the reconstruction of Gaza following the conflict.
The evolving dynamics of this arms deal highlight the intricate relationship between the United States and its Middle Eastern allies, underscoring the balance of defense, diplomacy, and regional cooperation.
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