Beyond big sales: Divergences in the US-Saudi defence ties, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The US approved a $1.4 billion military sale to Saudi Arabia in December 2025, including $500 million for training the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF).
• Saudi Arabia was designated a Major Non-NATO Ally during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) visit to the White House in late November 2025.
• MBS's visit resulted in US authorization to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and a Strategic Defense Agreement.
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to achieve 50% localization of military spending; the Kingdom reported reaching 25% last month.

Detailed Insights:

• Since 2017, MBS has prioritized overhauling Saudi Arabia’s military-industrial complex to reduce reliance on foreign equipment.
• Despite being a top global defense spender, Saudi Arabia has historically allocated a large portion of its budget to importing foreign equipment, such as 75% in 2024.
• Saudi Arabia seeks a mutual defense arrangement with the US due to regional security concerns, including perceived threats from Iran and Israel's actions.
• The US has not offered a mutual defense arrangement, leading Saudi Arabia to diversify its defense relationships, particularly with China and Pakistan.
• The US prioritizes military sales to Saudi Arabia to boost its defense industry and create jobs, exemplified by a $142 billion agreement.
• Saudi Arabia's reluctance to normalize ties with Israel, due to the lack of progress on a Palestinian state, strains its relationship with the US.
• The potential sale of F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia faces scrutiny due to US intelligence concerns, similar to a previous deal with the UAE.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Major Non-NATO Ally: A status granted by the United States designating a country as a close strategic partner, eligible for certain benefits in defense and security cooperation.
• Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia's strategic framework to reduce the nation’s dependence on hydrocarbons and develop various public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
• Abraham Accords: Agreements brokered by the US to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and various Arab nations.