The US is poised to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth more than US$100 billion, six sources with direct knowledge of the issue said, adding that the proposal was being lined up for announcement during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom next month.
The offered package comes after the administration of former US president Joe Biden unsuccessfully tried to finalize a defense pact with Riyadh as part of a broad deal that envisioned Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel.
The Biden proposal offered access to more advanced US weaponry in return for halting Chinese arms purchases and restricting Beijing’s investment in the country. It has not been established if the Trump administration’s proposal includes similar requirements.
Photo: AFP
The White House and Saudi government communications office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A US Department of Defense official said: “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.”
Lockheed Martin Corp could supply a range of advanced weapons systems, including C-130 transport aircraft, two of the sources said.
One source said Lockheed would also supply missiles and radars.
RTX Corp, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, is also expected to play a significant role in the package, which would include supplies from other major US defense contractors such as Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman Corp and General Atomics, four of the sources said.
Several executives from defense companies are considering traveling to the region as a part of the delegation, three of the sources said.
All the sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.
A potential deal for Lockheed’s F-35 jets, which the kingdom has been reportedly interested in for years, is expected to be discussed, three of the sources said, while downplaying the chances for an F-35 deal being signed during the trip.
The US guarantees that its close ally Israel receives more advanced American weapons than Arab states, giving it what is labeled a “qualitative military edge” over its neighbors.
Israel has owned F-35s for nine years, building multiple squadrons.
Under US law, major international weapons deals must be reviewed by the US Congress before they are finalized.
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