In a significant enhancement of military collaboration, Saudi Arabia formally joined the U.S. Defense Department’s National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program (SPP). The announcement came during a ceremonial signing in Riyadh, attended by military leaders from both nations.
The partnership integrates the Saudi armed forces with the Indiana and Oklahoma National Guards, bolstering strategic cooperation that was initially established last year. The SPP, which spans 115 nations, aims to strengthen military bonds through joint training, exercises, and personnel exchanges, ultimately enhancing collective readiness and fostering long-lasting relationships.
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, the 30th chief of the National Guard Bureau, reflected on the significance of the partnership, stating, “Today, we formalize a partnership that reflects the deep strategic relationship between our nations, built on a shared commitment to global security, trust, and decades of cooperation.”
Historically rooted in economic and security collaboration since 1940, the U.S.-Saudi alliance is focused primarily on counterterrorism efforts and promoting stability throughout the region. Saudi Arabia’s strategic location and military capabilities, along with its influence in the Arab and Islamic worlds, position it as a key global ally.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 outlines an ambitious plan aimed at diversifying its economy and advancing social reform, with significant investments earmarked for defense modernization and technological advancements.
“This partnership with the United States National Guard marks a historic milestone in our defense cooperation,” remarked Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s chief of general staff. “It embodies our commitment to developing joint capabilities that fortify regional security and stability.”
The SPP formalization follows President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May, where he unveiled a staggering $600 billion in Saudi investments in technology and defense, including a record $142 billion defense sales agreement. This deal is intended to equip Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art military systems from a host of U.S. defense companies, reinforcing its critical role in regional security.
Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of defense for policy, expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its self-defense capabilities, aligning with shared regional goals. The focus of Vision 2030 on military modernization, domestic defense industry growth, and cybersecurity further emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s strategic significance.
The SPP operates as a cost-effective Defense Department initiative managed by the National Guard Bureau, closely aligned with State Department foreign policy objectives. The National Guard of every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia is involved in partnerships with nations across the globe.
“Our capacity to collaborate in training and operations is a decisive advantage as we share the responsibilities of regional defense and global security with our allies,” added Gen. Nordhaus, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Through this partnership, members of the Indiana and Oklahoma National Guard are set to engage directly with their Saudi counterparts, enhancing cooperation in areas including cybersecurity, disaster response, aviation maintenance, medical readiness, and logistics.
Alison Dilworth, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, noted, “The possibilities of what we can do together are endless,” highlighting the vast potential for collaboration and shared learning between the forces.
As defense ties deepen, both nations look forward to a future defined by greater security cooperation and mutual understanding.
