The United States is preparing to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package exceeding $100 billion, a deal expected to be announced during President Trump’s upcoming visit to the kingdom in May.
This proposal follows the failed attempt by the Biden administration to secure a defense agreement with Riyadh as part of a broader initiative that would have included Saudi normalization with Israel. Under Biden’s plan, the U.S. would have provided access to more advanced weapons in exchange for halting Chinese arms purchases and limiting Chinese investment in Saudi infrastructure.
Portions of the arms deal have been in development for years, two sources said. Saudi Arabia reportedly requested information on drones from General Atomics as early as 2018. Over the past year, a deal involving $20 billion in MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and other aircraft has taken shape, one source noted.
A U.S. defense official said the partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia “is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership,” and emphasized that ongoing security cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship.
Lockheed Martin is expected to provide a variety of advanced weapons systems, including C-130 transport aircraft, and may also supply radars and missiles, two sources said. RTX Corp, previously known as Raytheon Technologies, will reportedly be another major contributor to the package, along with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics, according to four sources.
Three sources said multiple defense industry executives are considering joining the U.S. delegation traveling to the region. The possibility of a deal involving Lockheed’s F-35 fighter jets is also expected to be discussed.
