The USD142 billion arms deal is part of USD600 billion in agreements signed so-far.

Saudi Arabia and the US have announced a major arms agreement on day one of US President Donald Trump’s three-day visit to the Gulf.

The deal – which totals around USD142 billion – is part of USD600 billion in deals currently agreed, according to a 13 May White House press release.

“Over a dozen US defence firms” are set to benefit from the “largest defence sales agreement in history”, the notice states, citing its potential to strengthen the US defence industry.

“The agreement opens the door for expanded US defence industry participation and long-term sustainment partnerships with Saudi entities”, it continues.

Saudi Arabia is looking to purchase US military equipment under five main categories. These include aerospace capabilities, air and missile defence, maritime security, land forces, plus communications and information systems upgrades.

The press release is light on detail as to the specific platforms set to be acquired, however it does reference the provision of “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment” and training.

The Saudi Press Agency also released a statement – on 13 May – which highlights a series of memorandums of understanding on defence modernisation, the supply of land and air-based ammunition, and defence-health for the Saudi Armed Forces.

Part of a bigger picture…

Aside from defence deals, artificial intelligence (AI) investments are centre-stage, with many of the US technology sector’s major players convening in Riyadh this week, according to the Financial Times.

One such deal will see Saudi Arabia’s DataVolt invest USD20 billion in US-based AI data centres and energy infrastructure.

Energy, mineral resource, and air transport agreements are also detailed by the White House, alongside new collaborations between NASA and the Saudi Space Agency.

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