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US and Saudi Arabia Sign Record 142 Billion Arms Deal Focused on Military Modernization and Interoperability.
On May 13, 2025, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a defense agreement valued at $142 billion in Riyadh, described by the White House as “the largest military cooperation agreement in US history.” Finalized during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf, this deal marks a new phase in the strategic partnership between Washington and Riyadh, with a clear focus on modernizing Saudi military equipment and strengthening long-term interoperability between both armed forces.
A Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA (Picture source: Us DoD)
The agreement encompasses a structured package of deliveries, upgrades, and training programs related to existing weapon systems within the Saudi arsenal, as well as new capabilities. These are divided into five main domains: air and space forces, missile defense, maritime and coastal security, land and border forces, and information and communication systems. Over a dozen US defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Palantir, are involved in the program.
In the air domain, Saudi Arabia is expected to gradually modernize its fleet of F-15SA fighter aircraft, which form the backbone of its air combat capability. These jets may be upgraded to a configuration approaching the F-15EX standard, with increased payload capacity, enhanced network connectivity, and compatibility with next-generation munitions. Although no agreement has been announced for the sale of F-35s, the White House fact sheet suggests that discussions remain open. Transport aircraft such as the C-130J-30 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III, also US-made, may be reconfigured for specialized missions and upgraded with new navigation, electronic warfare, and communication systems.
Regarding helicopters, the 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters currently in service could be upgraded to the most recent standard, potentially including optimized Longbow sensors, guided munitions such as APKWS rockets, and new countermeasure suites against surface-to-air threats.
In the field of air and missile defense, the agreement includes the expansion and enhancement of the Patriot PAC-3 MSE system, of which Saudi Arabia currently operates 34 M903 launchers. These systems could be improved with the addition of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, advanced fire control software, and integration interfaces compatible with other layered defense systems. The deal may also cover the development of integrated command systems and networked sensor platforms, supporting Riyadh’s ambitions in space surveillance.
On the maritime front, the Royal Saudi Navy is expected to bolster its coastal surveillance and energy infrastructure protection capabilities through the acquisition of sensors, unmanned surface systems, and advanced monitoring technologies. While no specific platforms are confirmed, sources suggest expanded patrol capabilities potentially equipped with US-made systems such as the Harpoon Block II.
For land forces, the agreement addresses modernization of armored units, border protection, and the defense of strategic infrastructure. This may include armored vehicles, ground surveillance radars, anti-tank missile systems, and short-range defense solutions tailored to emerging threats such as armed drones and irregular incursions.
In terms of information and communication systems (C4ISR), a substantial update is planned. Saudi Arabia’s tactical and strategic command networks are set to benefit from new technologies for data fusion, electronic warfare, secure communications, and real-time intelligence. Companies like Palantir are expected to contribute to this digital transformation, enabling Saudi forces to operate with collaborative combat capabilities similar to those of Western militaries.
In the field of air and missile defense, the agreement includes the expansion and enhancement of the Patriot PAC-3 MSE system, of which Saudi Arabia currently operates 34 M903 launchers (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The agreement also includes comprehensive support measures for Saudi armed forces, covering advanced personnel training, development of military academies, long-term maintenance of delivered systems, and enhancement of military healthcare services. This capacity-building component aligns with Riyadh’s objective to increase operational autonomy while expanding local industrial participation through the state-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI).
This arms deal is part of a broader Saudi investment commitment of $600 billion in the US economy. Notably, this includes $20 billion for artificial intelligence data centers, $14.2 billion for General Electric gas turbines, $4.8 billion for Boeing 737-8 aircraft, and additional joint projects in healthcare, infrastructure, and energy.
Through this agreement, both countries reaffirm their intent to maintain a strategic partnership built over eight decades, dating back to the 1945 meeting between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the USS Quincy. Saudi Arabia, already the United States’ largest foreign military sales partner with $129 billion in active cases before this new deal, continues to align its military capabilities with US standards. For Washington, this comprehensive support reflects a broader objective to uphold regional security architecture, strengthen allied deterrence capabilities, and address evolving threats such as ballistic missiles, drone warfare, and hybrid tactics.
The $142 billion defense agreement between Washington and Riyadh represents more than a transfer of arms. It constitutes a capacity overhaul for the Saudi military, centered on interoperability with US forces, technological upgrades, and shared industrial development. This renewed partnership underlines both nations’ long-term strategic alignment in a shifting Middle East where security, technological, and energy considerations are increasingly interconnected.