Ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India beginning Monday, New Delhi’s landmark defence agreement with France has drawn significant attention. Valued at approximately $36–40 billion, the Rafale fighter jet deal ranks among the largest defence procurements in India’s history.
However, while substantial by global standards, it is not the world’s largest arms agreement.
That distinction currently belongs to the $142 billion defence pact signed last year between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The agreement was concluded during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh—his first overseas trip after returning to office. The deal forms part of a broader $600 billion strategic investment partnership between Washington and Riyadh.
The Scope of the US–Saudi Defence Agreement
The $142 billion package is designed to significantly modernise Saudi Arabia’s armed forces, particularly its air capabilities. Central to the discussions has been the potential sale of the advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. If completed, Saudi Arabia would become the second country in the region after Israel to operate the fifth-generation stealth jet.
In addition, the agreement includes the supply of advanced missile defence systems such as the MIM-104 Patriot interceptors and other cutting-edge security technologies. Reports indicate that more than 300 advanced battle tanks will also be delivered to strengthen Saudi ground forces.
As of February 2026, the United States has reportedly approved the sale of 730 Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at nearly $9 billion. The move is widely viewed as part of Washington’s strategy to counter missile and drone threats from Iran.
Strategic Context: Iran and Regional Balance
Under the previous administration of Joe Biden, the United States had imposed restrictions on supplying certain advanced weapons to Saudi Arabia, citing concerns over its human rights record. However, the current administration has recalibrated its approach, prioritising strategic alignment against Iran.
Washington appears intent on strengthening Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities to maintain a regional balance of power, particularly amid heightened tensions with Tehran. The growing defence partnership is also being closely watched in light of evolving geopolitical alignments in the Islamic world, including renewed Saudi–Pakistan defence cooperation in 2025.
Vision 2030 and Saudi Military Modernisation
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious military transformation is closely tied to its broader economic and strategic reform agenda, known as Saudi Vision 2030. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the initiative aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy while simultaneously modernising its defence infrastructure.
For 2026, Saudi Arabia has earmarked approximately $64 billion in defence spending, underscoring its commitment to large-scale military upgrades. Negotiations regarding the acquisition of F-35 jets remain ongoing, reflecting Riyadh’s determination to position itself as one of the region’s most technologically advanced military powers.
A Comparative Perspective
While India’s Rafale agreement with France marks a milestone in its defence history, the scale of the U.S.–Saudi deal highlights the intensifying global arms market and shifting strategic priorities. Both agreements, though differing significantly in value, underscore how defence partnerships are increasingly shaping geopolitical alignments in an era marked by renewed great-power competition and regional volatility.
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