US and Saudi Arabia Sign SDA, Name Kingdom a Major Non-NATO Ally; F-35 Sale and Tank Purchases Approved

WASHINGTON – November 19, 2025: The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a new SDA, with US President Donald J. Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as signatories, aimed at strengthening security cooperation and industrial ties. A White House statement said the agreement is intended to “enhance regional deterrence” and “grow the American industrial base,” and was accompanied by a major defense sales package that includes future deliveries of F-35 fighter aircraft.

The Kingdom also agreed to purchase nearly 300 American-manufactured tanks, a move expected to bolster Saudi defense capabilities and support jobs and production within the US defense sector.

Key Provisions of the SDA

The SDA expands the scope for US defense companies to operate within Saudi Arabia, granting greater access and introducing additional cost-sharing contributions from the Kingdom to offset American expenses, according to the White House.

• Enhanced US industry access to Saudi operations under the SDA
• Cost-sharing commitments by Saudi Arabia to reduce American outlays
• Major defense sales package including future F-35 deliveries
• Commitment by Saudi Arabia to buy nearly 300 US-made tanks

Major Non-NATO Ally Designation

President Trump announced a significant shift in the bilateral security relationship, stating: “I’m pleased to announce that we are taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.”

The designation underscores a deepening of defense ties and is positioned by US officials as part of a strategy to bolster stability and deterrence in the region while reinforcing the American industrial base.

Arms Sales and Industry Impact

Alongside the SDA, the administration approved a major defense sale package for Saudi Arabia. The transactions are intended to improve Saudi defense capabilities and support job security and production within the US defense industry.

In a related development earlier this year, the US State Department approved the sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II missiles to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $100m (SR375m).

Background: Previous Commitments and Deals

The latest agreements build on cooperation announced during President Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May, when $600bn in investment commitments were unveiled across multiple sectors. An earlier defense agreement, valued at nearly $142bn, was described as the “largest defence sales agreement in history”.

Official Rationale and Strategic Goals

According to the White House, the SDA is designed to “enhance regional deterrence” and “grow the American industrial base,” reflecting dual objectives of strengthening Middle East security partnerships and supporting US manufacturing and jobs.

What’s Next

• Implementation of the SDA’s industry access and cost-sharing mechanisms
• Scheduling and delivery planning for F-35 aircraft and nearly 300 tanks
• Follow-on approvals and notifications for additional defense sales as required

Conclusion

The SDA and accompanying defense sales mark a major expansion of US-Saudi defense cooperation, highlighted by Saudi Arabia’s designation as a major non-NATO ally. With future F-35 deliveries, a significant tank purchase, and the recent approval of APKWS II missiles, the agreements are set to reinforce Saudi defense capabilities while supporting the US defense industrial base. Further details on delivery timelines and implementation are expected in subsequent announcements.