Washington: US President Donald Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, unveiling the move during a formal dinner at the White House attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The announcement capped a visit that resulted in sweeping agreements on defense, technology, and future economic cooperation.
Trump said the new status would deepen military ties and open the door to deeper defence collaboration. The designation offers a close US partner access to military and economic privileges, though it stops short of a formal defence pact. It comes alongside a historic strategic defence agreement aimed at strengthening deterrence across the Middle East.
The White House said the deal will make it easier for American defence companies to operate in Saudi Arabia and will direct new Saudi funding toward offsetting US operational costs in the region. Trump also approved future deliveries of F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom, while Riyadh committed to buying 300 US-made tanks.
If completed, the F-35 sale would be the first of its kind to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has reportedly requested 48 aircraft, a move that would represent a major shift in Washington’s long-standing approach to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge. Israel has been the only Middle Eastern nation with F-35s until now.
When asked about concerns in Israel, Trump acknowledged that Israeli officials would prefer Riyadh to receive less advanced aircraft. He said both countries have been strong partners and that each should have access to top-tier defence systems.
The scale of the new defence deals is significant. Part of nearly one trillion dollars in Saudi-planned investment in the United States includes an estimated 142 billion dollars allocated for F-35 procurement, according to White House reporters.
Israeli officials and lobby groups had previously attempted to block the sale, but the agreements announced during the visit stretch well beyond defence purchases. US officials say the new partnerships cover artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and major economic cooperation designed to benefit both countries.
The US and Saudi Arabia also concluded negotiations on civil nuclear energy cooperation, laying the groundwork for a long-term collaboration in nuclear technology and energy systems.
Talks also touched on regional diplomacy. Israel has indicated it would not oppose the F-35 sale if Saudi Arabia normalises relations under the Abraham Accords. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated that Riyadh remains open to joining but only if there is a credible and guaranteed path toward a Palestinian state. He stressed that Saudi Arabia supports a two-state solution and wants to see clear progress before taking that step.
The agreements mark one of the most significant resets in US-Saudi relations in years, combining major defence commitments with broader economic and strategic cooperation that could reshape the regional landscape.
