Donald Trump plans $100 billion Saudi Arabia arms deal, months after Joe Biden¡¯s failed defence pact with Riyadh; Here¡¯s what we know

The United States is planning a new arms deal with Saudi Arabia, valued at over $100 billion. According to sources cited by Reuters, this announcement could be made during US President Donald Trump¡¯s visit to the kingdom in May. If finalised, it would mark a return to Trump¡¯s earlier approach to arms sales, especially to one of Washington¡¯s most critical defence allies in the Middle East.

The deal comes after former President Joe Biden¡¯s administration failed to secure a defence agreement with Riyadh. Biden¡¯s efforts were part of a broader diplomatic push to normalise Saudi-Israel ties.

Biden¡¯s proposal vs Trump¡¯s comeback plan

Biden¡¯s earlier proposal had attempted to steer Saudi Arabia away from Chinese defence investments. In return for limiting arms purchases from China and reducing Beijing¡¯s presence in the kingdom, Washington had offered access to more advanced US military technology. However, the Biden administration¡¯s plan did not materialise.

It remains unclear whether Trump¡¯s proposed deal comes with similar conditions or if it will follow a more open-ended arrangement. A US Defence official told Reuters that the security relationship with Saudi Arabia had grown stronger under Trump¡¯s leadership and said defence cooperation would continue as a priority.

Defence giants set to benefit

Several major US defence contractors are expected to be involved in the potential deal. Lockheed Martin may provide C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, and radar systems. RTX Corp, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, is also likely to play a key role, along with Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics.

These companies have either declined to comment or deferred queries to the US government, citing the sensitive nature of foreign military sales. Lockheed Martin clarified that such deals are handled directly between governments.

Some of the agreements included in the $100 billion deal have reportedly been under discussion for years. General Atomics' drones, for instance, were first requested by Saudi Arabia in 2018. A $20 billion deal involving MQ-9B SeaGuardian-style drones has gained traction over the last year, according to sources.

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Past deals and Congressional scrutiny

The US has a long history of supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Trump proposed a $110 billion arms package. But by 2018, only about $14.5 billion worth of those deals had been initiated. The slow progress and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi led to criticism and restrictions.

The US has a In 2021, the Biden administration, with support from Congress, banned the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia. The decision was linked to concerns over civilian casualties in Yemen and the fallout from Khashoggi¡¯s death.

That ban was lifted in 2024, after shifting geopolitical circumstances ¡ª including the war in Ukraine and the October 7 Hamas attack ¡ª led to improved US-Saudi cooperation, particularly over future plans for Gaza.

What lies ahead

While many aspects of the current arms deal remain under wraps, defence company executives are reportedly considering travel to the region as part of the negotiations. The outcome of this deal could shape the next phase of US-Saudi military relations, reopening a chapter that was paused during the Biden era and reaffirming Trump¡¯s focus on defence sales as a tool of diplomacy and job creation.

Under US law, large foreign arms deals must still go through Congressional review. As of now, whether this deal gains political traction or stirs fresh debate remains to be seen.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.