Saudi Arabia and the United States are in advanced talks to
finalise a landmark defence partnership expected to be signed during Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House next month. The agreement
aims to deepen military and intelligence cooperation, strengthen joint
deterrence, and formalise US security guarantees to the kingdom.
Historic Defence Negotiations Between Saudi Arabia and the US
Saudi Arabia is currently engaged in significant defence discussions with the United States, targeting the establishment of a robust defence pact meant to solidify the military alliance between the two nations. As reported by The News on October 16, 2025, the forthcoming agreement is anticipated to stipulate that
“any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,”
underscoring a mutual defence
commitment, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office and the
Saudi Press Agency.
This deal comes as the kingdom seeks to enhance
collaborative defence measures that include joint planning, intelligence
sharing, and increased cooperation in missile defence and air power, according
to a report by Politics Today dated October 16, 2025. The talks are described
as “advanced,” with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expected to visit
Washington in November 2025, marking his first visit since 2018. The visit is
expected to culminate in the signing of this historic pact, further cementing
the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington.
Key Details of the Defence Partnership
The Defence pact under negotiation is modelled on a recent US-Qatar agreement and aims to develop
“aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,”
the
Prime Minister’s office stated, as cited by The News. A senior official within
the Trump administration confirmed ongoing discussions about signing an
agreement during the Crown Prince’s visit, although the exact terms remain
under negotiation, reported by Politics Today.
Saudi Arabia’s desire for a “robust” agreement reflects its
increasing role in regional security and its search for stronger US assurances
following heightened instability across West Asia. This move follows the US
administration's recent executive order guaranteeing protection for Qatar after
an Israeli missile strike targeted Hamas’s political leadership in Doha,
signaling increased US commitment to Gulf security, as detailed in reports by
The News and Politics Today.
Regional Security Context and Strategic Implications
The initiative unfolds against a backdrop of continued
turmoil in West Asia, where Gulf states are seeking stronger defence guarantees
amid escalating tensions. According to the Financial Times via a Reuters report
on October 17, 2025, the pact hopes to reflect not only enhanced military and
intelligence cooperation but also to affirm Washington’s long-standing role in
preserving Gulf stability.
Previously, under the Biden administration, plans for a
similar Saudi-US defence agreement faltered due to regional conflicts including
the 2023 Hamas assault on Israel and the consequent Gaza war. Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman has since articulated strong opposition to normalising
relations with Israel before the establishment of a Palestinian state, a
position reiterated in the context of these defence talks, according to the Financial
Times.
Official Statements and Diplomatic Relations
In Riyadh, the talks coincided with Saudi Arabia’s Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, where he received a warm welcome, signifying
the strengthening diplomatic ties surrounding the defence discussions as
documented by The News.
As reported by Business Standard on October 16, the proposed
agreement is anticipated to be a milestone in US-Saudi relations, encompassing
not only military hardware but also intelligence sharing and joint operational
planning. This deal will likely involve advanced warfighting systems provided
by more than a dozen US defence firms, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s regional
defence posture, as highlighted by a US military news source from September
2025.
Looking Ahead: The Crown Prince’s Washington Visit
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s forthcoming visit to the
White House next month is expected to be pivotal for finalising the defence
deal. Sources within the Trump administration have acknowledged preparations
for signing the agreement during this visit, reflecting confidence on both
sides about closing the negotiations, as noted by Politics Today and further
supported by the Financial Times via Reuters.
This agreement symbolizes the deepening of military ties and
signals a shared commitment to mutual defence, positioning the Saudi-US
alliance as a key strategic pillar in maintaining security and deterring
aggression in a volatile region.
Saudi Arabia’s defence partnership talks with the United States mark a significant step in the kingdom’s evolving security strategy and underscore Washington’s enduring influence in Gulf affairs amid regional uncertainties. The finalisation of the deal during the Crown Prince’s upcoming visit to Washington is anticipated to reinforce bilateral cooperation and provide a new framework for joint defence efforts.