Trump plans to propose a $100 billion arms package to Saudi Arabia, sources say

The United States is preparing to present Saudi Arabia with an arms deal exceeding $100 billion, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters. This announcement is expected to coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump‘s visit to the kingdom in May.

This proposed package follows the previous administration of President Joe Biden’s unsuccessful attempts to finalize a defense agreement with Riyadh, which was part of a broader initiative aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Biden administration’s proposal included access to more advanced U.S. weaponry in exchange for Saudi Arabia ceasing its arms purchases from China and limiting Chinese investments in the country.

It remains unclear whether the Trump administration’s proposal will include similar stipulations. The White House and the Saudi government have not yet responded to requests for comments.

A U.S. Defense official stated, ‘Our defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership. Maintaining our security cooperation is a vital aspect of this partnership, and we will continue to collaborate with Saudi Arabia to meet their defense requirements.’

During his first term, Trump touted arms sales to Saudi Arabia as beneficial for American jobs. Lockheed Martin Corp is expected to provide a variety of advanced weapon systems, including C-130 transport aircraft, according to two sources.

Additionally, one source indicated that Lockheed would supply missiles and radar systems. RTX Corp, previously known as Raytheon Technologies, is also anticipated to play a key role in the package, which will feature contributions from other major U.S. defense contractors such as Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman Corp, and General Atomics, as reported by four sources.

All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue. RTX, Northrop, and General Atomics declined to comment, while Boeing did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

A representative from Lockheed Martin stated that foreign military sales are conducted as government-to-government agreements. Inquiries regarding these sales should be directed to the U.S. government. Reuters was unable to quickly determine how many of the available deals were new, as many have been in development for an extended period, according to two sources. For instance, the kingdom initially sought information about General Atomics’ drones b

ack in 2018. Over the last year, a $20 billion deal for General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and other aircraft has gained attention, as noted by one source. Several executives from defense firms are contemplating a visit to the region as part of a delegation, according to three sources.

The U.S. has a long history of supplying arms to Saudi Arabia, with Trump proposing around $110 billion in sales to the kingdom in 2017. By 2018, only $14.5 billion in sales had been initiated, leading Congress to scrutinize the agreements following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In 2021, under Biden’s administration, Congress enacted a ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in response to the Khashoggi incident and to urge the kingdom to de-escalate its conflict in Yemen, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties.

According to U.S. law, significant international arms deals require Congressional review before finalization. The Biden administration began to ease its position on Saudi Arabia in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affected global oil supplies.

The ban on offensive weapons sales was lifted in 2024 as Washington sought closer cooperation with Riyadh following Hamas’ attack on October 7, aiming to formulate a strategy for post-war Gaza.

A potential agreement regarding Lockheed’s F-35 jets, which the kingdom has shown interest in for several years, is anticipated to be on the agenda, although three sources have downplayed the likelihood of finalizing an F-35 deal during the visit.