Saudi Defense Minister Meets with US Secretary of Defense to Expand Counterterrorism and Security Ties.

On February 24, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, for a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon. The meeting underscored the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, with a particular focus on regional security, stability, and combating terrorism across the Middle East.
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Saudi Arabia strengthens its defense capabilities with the recent acquisition of American-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense systems, enhancing its ability to counter regional missile threats, particularly from Iran. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

During the discussion, Secretary Hegseth emphasized the critical importance of the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship, noting the long-standing collaboration between both nations on security matters in the region. He specifically referenced the cooperation that took place during the Trump administration, where both countries worked closely together to advance regional stability. Hegseth highlighted joint defense initiatives and counterterrorism efforts that were instrumental in safeguarding not only the U.S. and its allies but also diminishing the threat posed by extremist groups.

The bilateral talks also focused heavily on reinforcing joint counterterrorism efforts, as both nations have been at the forefront of combatting radical extremist organizations in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, as a leading power in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has been a crucial partner in efforts to combat terrorism in the region, with a particular emphasis on countering the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaeda, and other terror cells operating in and beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

Hegseth and Prince Khalid reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing counterterrorism operations, discussing new avenues for enhanced intelligence-sharing, military training programs, and the expansion of defense technologies to ensure both countries are prepared to tackle future threats. Saudi Arabia’s position in the region, as a leader in the GCC, makes it an essential partner in U.S.-led counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against Iran-backed militias and other groups destabilizing the Middle East.

The defense ministers also noted the evolution of the U.S.-Saudi defense partnership, which dates back several decades. While the relationship has long been rooted in defense cooperation, the partnership has strengthened in recent years, especially under the Trump administration. During this period, the two countries forged a series of high-profile defense agreements, including arms sales and joint military exercises. Hegseth pointed out that their collaboration has been key to ensuring the security of critical infrastructure, such as oil fields and vital shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, which are essential not only for Saudi Arabia but for global economic stability.

One of the most notable aspects of the meeting was the continued modernization of Saudi Arabia's military capabilities, particularly with its latest acquisitions from the U.S. Saudi Arabia has recently finalized a major purchase of American-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense systems, which will significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to protect against missile threats, especially from regional adversaries like Iran. The deal, valued at several billion dollars, is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernize its defense infrastructure, ensuring that it can counter both ballistic and cruise missile threats in an increasingly complex security environment.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is expected to receive F-15EX fighter jets from the U.S. These advanced multi-role aircraft are equipped with the latest avionics, radar, and weapons systems, making them an essential component of Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities. The F-15EX is designed to provide a powerful deterrence against regional threats, and its advanced systems will improve interoperability between the Saudi Air Force and U.S. forces, enhancing joint operational capabilities.

The acquisition of these advanced systems follows previous purchases of Patriot missile systems, Apache AH-64E helicopters, and Naval systems, further cementing the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship. These modern military platforms enable Saudi Arabia to safeguard its sovereignty while also supporting regional security efforts alongside the U.S. and other allies.

Another focal point of the meeting was the broader security landscape in the Middle East. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have worked together to address Iran’s regional influence, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has led a coalition against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Hegseth and Prince Khalid discussed continuing their coordination to contain Iran’s destabilizing activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust defense posture to deter potential military aggression in the region.

Looking to the future, both defense ministers discussed modernizing their forces to address evolving security challenges, particularly the rise of new threats such as cyber warfare, unmanned systems, and advanced missile technologies. Both nations have made significant investments in modernizing their military capabilities, with Saudi Arabia being one of the largest recipients of U.S. military technology in recent years. This includes advanced missile defense systems, aircraft, and naval assets, which are critical for the kingdom’s defense against regional threats. Hegseth and Prince Khalid agreed on the importance of continuing to enhance interoperability between their forces through joint military training and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity measures.

The meeting between Secretary Hegseth and Prince Khalid highlighted the strong and evolving defense relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote regional stability, enhance security cooperation, and combat terrorism in the Middle East. The talks not only reinforced their long-standing defense ties but also outlined a shared vision for addressing future challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. With mutual security goals at the forefront, the U.S.-Saudi partnership remains a cornerstone of Middle Eastern defense strategy, with both countries poised to deepen their collaboration in the years to come.