U.S. APPROVES $3.5B MISSILE SALE TO SAUDI ARABIA AHEAD OF TRUMP VISIT

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 03RD MAY 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

The U.S. has given initial approval for a $3.5 billion sale of AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia, strengthening defense ties ahead of former President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the kingdom. Manufactured by RTX Corp in Arizona, the 1,000 missiles will enhance the Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15 fleet, the second largest globally. The proposed sale, pending Congressional approval, aligns with U.S. goals of regional security and economic cooperation.

Trump’s 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia broke presidential travel tradition, highlighting close ties with Gulf rulers amid his business interests in the region. Saudi Arabia has pledged to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over four years. However, U.S.-Saudi relations remain contentious due to the Yemen war and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—an operation U.S. intelligence links to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump's administration also approved a $2 billion Reaper drone sale to Qatar.