May 13, 2025 – In a landmark development, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a historic $600 billion strategic agreement, covering military cooperation, economic investment, and technological collaboration. This deal marks one of the largest bilateral agreements in modern history, setting a new foundation for U.S.-Saudi relations.
🔹 $142 Billion Military Deal
The agreement includes a $142 billion arms deal, where Saudi Arabia will procure cutting-edge American military hardware, including:
- Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft
- THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems
- Patriot PAC-3 missile systems
- MQ-9B SeaGuardian Reaper drones
- Potential acquisition of F-35 stealth fighter jets
These advanced defense systems will significantly upgrade Saudi Arabia’s air, missile, and naval defense capabilities, enhancing interoperability with NATO forces.
According to The Sun, these purchases are aimed at deterring regional threats and securing the Kingdom’s sovereignty.
🔹 Strategic Defense Motivation
Saudi Arabia’s decision is largely driven by multiple geopolitical and security threats:
- Iran’s Expansion & Nuclear Program
Saudi Arabia views Iran as its primary regional adversary, given its continued nuclear ambitions and influence over militant proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. - Houthi Attacks from Yemen
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have frequently launched drone and missile strikes on Saudi territory. Notable attacks include: - Regional Power Balance
With rising influence from Turkey, Qatar, and Israel, Saudi Arabia aims to solidify its leadership role in the Islamic world through military dominance. - Counterterrorism and Cybersecurity
In light of rising terrorist threats and cyber warfare, the Kingdom is investing heavily in tech-based defense systems to prevent internal sabotage and foreign cyber intrusions.
🔹 $600 Billion in Economic & Technology Investment
Beyond defense, Saudi Arabia will invest $600 billion into the U.S. economy, focusing on:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Energy and renewables
- Mineral and rare earth exploration
- Space research & aerospace collaboration
- Infrastructure development
This economic influx is expected to create nearly 2 million jobs in the United States, boosting sectors critical to future innovation.
🔹 Diplomatic Vision: A “Golden Era” in the Middle East
Trump described the deal as the beginning of a “Golden Era” for the Middle East, urging Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and join the path of economic cooperation and peace.
“Make money, not war,” Trump declared in a speech quoted by The Times, directly addressing regional conflict zones.
🔹 Additional Cooperation Agreements
Further agreements signed under this strategic partnership include:
- NASA & Saudi Space Agency cooperation on joint space missions.
- Wildlife conservation pact between Saudi Arabia and the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park to preserve the endangered Arabian leopard.
These developments represent a broadening of U.S.-Saudi relations beyond military and economic interests.
🔹 Strategic Implications
This deal is seen as a significant move to reaffirm U.S. influence in the Middle East amidst China’s and Russia’s growing footprint. For Saudi Arabia, it’s a powerful step toward Vision 2030, modernizing the kingdom while fortifying against threats from terrorism and hostile states.
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