Key Takeaways
- US and Saudi Arabia sign major agreements on civil nuclear energy, AI, and defence
- Defence package includes future F-35 fighter jet sales and nearly 300 American tanks
- Saudi investment commitments in US increased to nearly $1 trillion
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed landmark agreements covering civil nuclear cooperation, artificial intelligence, and a major defence package that includes the long-awaited sale of F-35 fighter jets.
The White House announced the deals on Tuesday, describing them as strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Nuclear and Technology Partnerships
The countries signed a joint declaration on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation, establishing the legal framework for what the White House called a “decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership built on strong non-proliferation standards.”
The agreements also include a framework on critical minerals to diversify supply chains and an artificial intelligence memorandum of understanding that provides Saudi Arabia access to American systems while protecting US technology.
Major Defence Package Approved
US President Donald Trump approved a significant defence sale package involving future deliveries of advanced F-35 aircraft. The defence package also includes nearly 300 American tanks.
The White House stated these defence sales would support the US industrial base and create high-paying American jobs.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
The two nations signed a Strategic Defence Agreement that strengthens their more than 80-year security partnership and bolsters deterrence across the Middle East.
The agreements follow Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States, during which Saudi Arabia increased its investment commitments in the US from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion.
