In a strategic move, the United States has preliminarily agreed to a significant missile sale to Saudi Arabia, valued at $3.5 billion. This development comes as part of a broader military support initiative in anticipation of a visit planned by then-President Donald Trump to the region.
Set for this month, the deal likely intends to bolster ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with the arms sale expected to be a highlight during Trump’s scheduled engagement with Saudi leaders. Saudi Arabia has indicated plans to significantly invest in the United States, with a figure of $600 billion proposed over the next four years, suggesting a strategic effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations.
Trump’s initial overseas journey as president in 2017 marked a departure from the norm where U.S. presidents traditionally visit countries like Canada, Mexico, or the UK first. This choice underscored the administration’s close relationship with the oil-wealthy Gulf states, aligning with Trump’s business interests in the region.
Included in the proposed arms package are 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, along with critical guidance systems and technical assistance. These missiles are to be manufactured by RTX Corp based in Tucson, Arizona, aiming to enhance the capabilities of Saudi Arabia’s considerable fleet of F-15 fighter jets.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency highlighted the sale as a measure to support American foreign policy and national security goals, suggesting that it will contribute to the political and economic stability of the Gulf region by enhancing the security of a key ally.
As with all international arms transactions, the proposed sale requires review by U.S. Congress, which can potentially halt such deals. Saudi Arabia has historically been a contentious arms recipient due to its military actions in Yemen since 2015, and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi which implicated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman according to the U.S. intelligence community. The kingdom, however, denies the prince’s involvement.
Despite leaving office, Trump remained prominently linked to the Gulf states. His administration’s later actions included green-lighting Qatar’s acquisition of advanced MQ-9B Reaper drones valued at approximately $2 billion, further illustrating ongoing U.S. military engagements in the region.