Saudi Military Training Set for Major Upgrade in $142 Billion US Defence Deal

Training forms a key component of the landmark $142 billion defence agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, described by the White House as "the largest military cooperation agreement in US history."

The comprehensive agreement includes a clear focus on modernising Saudi military equipment, enhancing simulation-based training capabilities, and strengthening long-term interoperability between both armed forces.

According to the White House, the agreement encompasses a structured package of deliveries, upgrades, and training programmes related to existing weapon systems within the Saudi arsenal, as well as new capabilities. These are divided into five main domains: air force advancement and space capabilities, air and missile defence, maritime and coastal security, border security and land forces modernisation, and information and communication systems upgrades.

The deal involves over a dozen U.S. defence firms, who will provide Saudi Arabia with "state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services," the White House said. Industry giants including Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Palantir are among the contractors involved in delivering various components of the programme.

Beyond equipment procurement, the White House confirmed the package "includes extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services." This training component is expected to create significant opportunities for simulation and training providers specialising in military education.

The White House characterised the agreement as representing "a significant investment in Saudi Arabia's defense and regional security, built on American systems and training."

The military cooperation is part of a broader Saudi investment commitment of $600 billion in the U.S. economy, described as "the largest set of commercial agreements on record between the two countries."

This wider economic engagement includes $20 billion for artificial intelligence data centres, $14.2 billion for General Electric gas turbines, $4.8 billion for Boeing 737-8 aircraft, and additional joint projects in healthcare, infrastructure, and energy sectors.