White House / Public Domain
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday elevated Saudi Arabia to the status of a “major non-NATO ally,” a designation that significantly expands the military relationship between Washington and Riyadh during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first White House visit in seven years.
Trump made the announcement during an evening state dinner honoring the Crown Prince, describing the decision as a transformational moment in U.S.–Saudi relations. “Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that we are taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally,” the President said. “A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries, and it will serve the highest interests of peace.”
The designation, held by only 20 nations worldwide, grants Saudi Arabia expanded access to American defense technology, deeper intelligence cooperation, faster weapons sales, and enhanced joint military coordination. Though the status does not guarantee mutual defense like NATO membership, it cements Saudi Arabia as one of Washington’s most strategically significant partners outside the alliance system. As the Crown Prince arrived at the White House, he was greeted by a dramatic flyover of advanced U.S. fighter aircraft, underscoring the deepening military ties.
F-35 Sales Advance as Israel Voices Concern
The announcement immediately influenced ongoing debates over U.S. arms transfers to the kingdom. Trump confirmed that the United States intends to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move long opposed by the Israeli security establishment. Jerusalem fears that allowing Riyadh to acquire the stealth aircraft could weaken Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge, a principle enshrined in U.S. law to ensure Israel maintains superior military capabilities in the region.
Despite Israeli objections, Trump approved the future delivery of F-35s as part of a broader defense package that also allows Saudi Arabia to purchase nearly 300 American tanks. Administration officials say the MNNA designation helps streamline these approvals and signals a long-term U.S. commitment to Saudi security.
White House Describes Designation as Strategic Milestone
The White House portrayed the decision as a “once-in-a-generation step” that strengthens regional stability and deepens decades of security cooperation. Officials emphasized that the upgraded military relationship will benefit both countries through greater joint training, expanded defense industry collaboration, and stronger counterterrorism coordination. The administration argued that the designation also supports American jobs by reinforcing major defense-sector contracts tied to Saudi procurement.
Supporting Agreements Lay Groundwork for Long-Term Cooperation
Though the MNNA designation was the centerpiece of the visit, the two nations also finalized several economic and strategic agreements meant to complement the expanded military partnership. The leaders completed negotiations on a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that establishes the framework for long-term U.S.–Saudi nuclear energy cooperation under Non-Proliferation Treaty safeguards. They also signed a Critical Minerals Framework Agreement to align national strategies and strengthen global supply chains, as well as an Artificial Intelligence Memorandum of Understanding providing Saudi Arabia access to American systems while protecting U.S. technologies from foreign influence.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that Saudi investments in the United States will rise from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion, targeting major American sectors including emerging technology, data infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy development.
The designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally is likely to shape the dynamics of future diplomatic efforts involving Jerusalem, Riyadh, and Washington, especially as debates continue over the F-35 sale and regional security architecture.
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