US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) announced plans to sell Saudi Arabia some of the “greatest military equipment ever built,” a day after officially designating the Kingdom as a “major non-NATO ally.”
Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump highlighted the historic strategic defense agreement signed between the two nations. “We build the best military equipment in the world by far… That’s why we do the most business, including nearly 300 American-made tanks, aircraft, and other equipment,” he said.
Trump also emphasized that the US-Saudi relationship has strengthened after swiftly neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, calling it a “real cloud over the whole Middle East” that has now been removed. “The partnership between our two nations is among the most consequential in the entire world… Together, the Crown Prince and I are making an alliance stronger and more powerful than ever before,” he added.
The US and Saudi Arabia also signed agreements on civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence, alongside $270 billion in business deals between multiple companies. Trump expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for “bringing jobs and great opportunities” to the US, noting a planned $1 trillion investment by Saudi Arabia.
The Crown Prince received a reception befitting a head of state at the White House, including an Army-mounted honor guard, a military flyover, and cannon salutes. During the Oval Office meeting, he indicated Saudi Arabia’s conditional willingness to join the Abraham Accords, aiming to secure a clear path toward a two-state solution with Israel.
In a significant development, Trump announced plans to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, potentially ending Israel’s exclusive access to the aircraft in the region and altering the military balance in the Middle East, while the US maintains its commitment to Israel’s qualitative military edge. (Agencies)
