The United States has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a special status that grants the kingdom enhanced military, security, and strategic cooperation privileges.
The designation comes after long-standing diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Riyadh, paving the way for a significant defense agreement that will allow Saudi Arabia to acquire advanced F-35 fighter jets, some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world.
According to diplomatic sources, the new status strengthens security and economic ties between the two nations at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Access to F-35 jets is expected to boost Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities and improve its ability to respond to regional threats, including the growing influence of Iran.
Security analysts say the agreement could reshape power dynamics in the region, noting that the F-35 is a highly controlled weapons system that the US rarely approves for foreign sale.
Although the full timeline for delivering the aircraft has not been announced, US officials confirm that all legal and procedural steps have already begun to implement the deal.