What capabilities could the US supply to Saudi Arabia under the $142 billion deal?
A Saudi Arabian soldier during training. (Photo: Saudi Press Agency)
The White House’s announcement on 13 May of the US$142 billion defence sales agreement between the US and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has generated more questions than answers.
Although the US government claimed that it is was the largest Foreign Military Sale (FMS) in history, it is unclear what capabilities Washington will supply, what national companies will be involved in the process, and what the timeframe will be for deliveries and Riyadh payments.
Approached by Shephard, both the US Department of State and the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) could not respond to those queries prior to publication.
The
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
-
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.