The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of precision-guided weapon systems to Saudi Arabia, marking the latest arms deal between the two nations under President Donald Trump, according to the Pentagon, reports Al Arabiya.
This approval follows a similar deal in July, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, which saw the U.S. agree to provide Saudi Arabia with logistics systems, joint planning programs, and equipment for American-made aircraft.
At the time, the State Department emphasized that the deal would bolster Saudi Arabia's military capabilities, both current and future, while enhancing support and training for the Royal Saudi Air Force. This includes systems for platforms such as C-130 transport aircraft, E-3 surveillance planes, and Bell helicopters.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) reports that the kingdom’s defense spending has risen at an annual rate of 4.5% since 1960, reaching $75.8 billion in 2024. This makes Saudi Arabia the fifth-largest military spender worldwide and the largest in the Arab world.
GAMI also announced that Saudi Arabia’s defense budget for 2025 is projected to hit $78 billion, accounting for 21% of the government’s total spending and 7.1% of the nation’s GDP. Saudi Arabia’s defense expenditures represent 3.1% of global military spending, which stands at $2.44 trillion.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
