Saudi Arabia Saudi minister: Agreement with USA strengthens security in the region
The USA is increasingly relying on Saudi Arabia as a partner in the Middle East in terms of defense and security.
19.11.2025, 11:13
19.11.2025, 11:14
SDA
A "strategic defense agreement" signed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington will "strengthen security in the region and promote peace and stability in the world," Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman wrote on X.
As US President Donald Trump said during a speech at a banquet in honor of the Saudi de facto ruler, the Gulf monarchy will also receive the status of a "major ally outside of NATO".
Saudi Arabia to receive F-35 fighter jets and 300 tanks
However, the details of the agreement remained vague at first. The question of whether the US President will issue a pledge of support by decree, as Riyadh had hoped, also remained open at first. Qatar had recently received a corresponding guarantee after Israel carried out an airstrike against high-ranking Hamas members in the Gulf state.
In a statement from the government in Washington, it was said that the agreement was a gain for the America First agenda because it facilitates business for US arms companies in Saudi Arabia and reduces US defense spending by opening up access to Saudi funds. The aim is to put the partner in a better position to defend itself against threats.
For US President Donald Trump, the agreement appears to be above all a lucrative deal. Among other things, Trump had promised the Saudis the sale of state-of-the-art F-35 stealth jets. The aircraft had previously only been sold to close US ally Israel in the region. The two sides also agreed on the sale of 300 US tanks to the Gulf monarchy.
