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Trump secures $600 billion in investment commitment from Saudi Arabia; deal includes defence tech, aerospace pacts

Synopsis

During his first state visit to Saudi Arabia as U.S. President, Donald Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from the Kingdom, the White House announced on Tuesday. The sweeping deal includes a $5 billion energy investment fund, a $5 billion fund for advanced aerospace and defense technologies, and a $4 billion global sports initiative by Enfield Sports.

Trump secures $600 bn Saudi investment pledge, finalises record $142 bn arms deal
US President Donald Trump has secured a massive $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia during his first state visit to the Kingdom since being re-elected for a second term, the White House announced in a fact-sheet on Tuesday.

The announcement marks the largest set of commercial agreements ever recorded between the United States and Saudi Arabia, encompassing major investments in energy, advanced technology, infrastructure, healthcare, defense, and global sports.

The White House called the package “transformative,” stating that it would deepen bilateral ties “that will endure for generations to come” while catalyzing growth, innovation, and job creation across the U.S.

AI, energy, infrastructure at the heart of economic deals

Among the headline deals, Saudi Arabian firm DataVolt will invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure within the U.S., marking a major push in digital and energy transformation.

In parallel, leading American and Saudi tech players—including Google, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, Uber, and DataVolt—are committing a combined $80 billion toward transformative technologies in both countries.

A slew of iconic U.S. firms—Hill International, Jacobs, Parsons, and AECOM—will provide $2 billion in services to Saudi Arabia for major infrastructure developments such as the King Salman International Airport, King Salman Park, The Vault, and the mega entertainment hub Qiddiya City.

The deal also features major export agreements: GE Vernova will supply $14.2 billion worth of gas turbines and energy solutions to Saudi Arabia, while Boeing will deliver 737-8 passenger aircraft to AviLease, in a deal valued at $4.8 billion.

In the healthcare sector, Shamekh IV Solutions, LLC will invest $5.8 billion, including setting up a high-capacity IV fluid manufacturing facility in Michigan, expected to bolster U.S. supply chain resilience.

President Trump also highlighted three sector-specific funds—each of which will deploy capital directly into U.S. industries:


“These partnerships are designed not only to drive innovation and create high-quality jobs in the United States but also to foster long-term cooperation in sectors vital to our national and economic security,” the White House noted.

Trump, MbS hail ties amid push for economic reform

The visit began with a lavish welcome in Riyadh, where Trump was greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders signed agreements covering energy, defense, mining, and infrastructure, Reuters reported.

"I really believe we like each other a lot," Trump said during his meeting with the crown prince, according to pool reports. The two appeared to enjoy warm personal chemistry, with Trump describing MbS as a “friend.”

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih told a U.S.-Saudi forum that while energy remains a cornerstone of the relationship, “business opportunities in the kingdom have expanded and multiplied many, many times over.”

Trump was joined by several prominent American business leaders, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and BlackRock chief Larry Fink. The group met with MbS during a palace reception and later joined a lunch hosted in Trump’s honor.

The crown prince’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy through ambitious "Giga-projects" such as NEOM, formed a major backdrop to the business discussions.

A defence deal worth $142 billion

In what officials described as the largest defense sales agreement in U.S. history, Washington and Riyadh signed a $142 billion defense package, ensuring Saudi Arabia’s access to the most advanced American military systems and services.

The deal spans five key areas:

  • Air force modernisation and space capabilities
  • Air and missile defense systems
  • Maritime and coastal security infrastructure
  • Border security and land force upgrades
  • Information and communication systems enhancement

The agreement also includes an extensive training component to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, strengthen military medical services, and enhance service academies.

“This package represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training,” the White House fact-sheet said, calling it a cornerstone of the broader strategic partnership.

While sources told Reuters that discussions have included the possible sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, it remains unclear whether the stealth fighters are covered under the current deal.

Focus on Gulf, not Israel

Trump’s itinerary includes visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates later this week, but notably omits Israel—a decision that has raised eyebrows amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

While the Trump administration continues to back Israel militarily and diplomatically, frustrations in Washington over the prolonged conflict have grown. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently said progress was expected “imminently” on expanding the Abraham Accords.

However, Saudi normalization with Israel remains unlikely without a ceasefire in Gaza and credible movement toward Palestinian statehood, sources informed Reuters.

(With inputs from Reuters)



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( Originally published on May 13, 2025 )

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