Saudi Arabia Named Major non-NATO Ally as Trump and MBS Seal Expansive Military Deals

President Donald Trump has formally designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally of the United States, unveiling the decision during a lavish Black House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a night that also produced a stack of headline-making defence and investment agreements.

Trump told guests he was taking “military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally,” adding that he had kept the announcement quiet “because I wanted to keep a little secret for tonight”. The status grants Saudi Arabia privileged military and economic cooperation with Washington, though it does not guarantee US security commitments.

The White House also disclosed a “historic strategic defence agreement” aimed at strengthening deterrence across the Middle East. According to a fact sheet, the pact streamlines operations for US defence firms working in the kingdom and secures “new burden-sharing funds” from Riyadh to offset US costs.

The night’s biggest geopolitical jolt, however, was Trump’s approval of future F-35 fighter jet deliveries to Saudi Arabia, a major shift in US policy. Riyadh has reportedly asked for 48 of the stealth aircraft, which would make it the first Middle Eastern country other than Israel to fly the jets.

Saudi Arabia also agreed to purchase 300 American tanks as part of a broader investment wave Prince Mohammed says will total nearly $1 trillion in the US, including $142bn specifically for F-35 procurement.

The F-35 deal immediately raised questions about Washington’s commitment to preserving Israel’s legally mandated “qualitative military edge.” Until now, Israel has been the region’s sole F-35 operator.

“I don’t think that makes you too happy,” Trump said to MBS, seated next to him. “They’ve been a great ally. Israel’s been a great ally. … As far as I’m concerned, I think they are both at a level where they should get top of the line.”