Trump to offer Saudi Arabia $100 billion arms deal during May visit: Reports | World News

The Trump adminration is preparing to unveil an arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth more than $100 billion during his visit to Riyadh in May, according to six sources familiar with the matter. The deal, which involves several top US defense contractors, comes amid growing competition with China and a continued effort the US to bolster its influence in the Gulf.
Among the major players involved in the deal are Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon Technologies), Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. These companies are set to supply a range of advanced military systems, including transport aircraft, missiles, and radar technology.
A US Defense Department official emphasized the importance of the relationship with Saudi Arabia, saying:

Our defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership. Maintaining our security cooperation remains an important component of this partnership, and we will continue to work with Saudi Arabia to address their defense needs.
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The role of defense giants
Lockheed Martin is expected to play a key role in supplying C-130 transport aircraft, as well as missiles and radars. RTX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics are also expected to provide their own offerings, with General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones likely to be among the most significant items.

Discussions on the drone deal have been ongoing for several years, with one source noting that the request for these drones dates back to 2018.
While Lockheed Martin confirmed that all foreign military sales are conducted through government-to-government transactions, questions regarding specific arms packages for Saudi Arabia were directed to the US government.Story continues below this ad
Biden’s efforts
This proposed arms deal comes after the former Biden adminration’s attempt to negotiate a broader defense agreement with Saudi Arabia fell through. The original Biden plan tied access to advanced US weaponry to Saudi Arabia’s agreement to limit Chinese arms purchases and investment.
It remains unclear whether the Trump adminration’s package will include any similar stipulations.
As is required US law, major international arms deals must undergo congressional review before they are finalized. Previous arms agreements with Saudi Arabia have encountered significant hurdles.
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The US Congress has been particularly critical of such deals in light of the killing of journal Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. In response to these concerns, Congress passed a ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in 2021.
However, this ban was lifted in 2024, as the US recalibrated its stance on Saudi Arabia in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the growing need for closer cooperation with the kingdom on energy and security issues.
F-35 talks may resurface
One of the more high-profile items that could come up for discussion during the visit is Saudi Arabia’s long-standing interest in acquiring Lockheed’s F-35 fighter jets. However, sources indicate that while this deal may be brought up, it is unlikely to be finalized during Trump’s visit.
Several defense executives are reportedly considering joining Trump’s delegation to Riyadh.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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