President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally.” The announcement was made during a black-tie dinner honoring Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington, DC. Trump described the move as “a sign of trust” and said it follows the signing of “a historic strategic defense agreement.”
What is ‘major non-NATO ally’?
A “major non-NATO ally” (MNNA) is a special status the United States gives to certain countries that are not part of NATO but are considered close strategic partners.
What Major Non-NATO Ally Status Means?
It provides the country with military, financial, and security advantages, such as:
- Priority access to US defense equipment and technology
- Ability to participate in joint military training and research
- Eligibility for certain loans and cooperative defense programs
- Faster approval for defense-related exports
MNNA status does not include a mutual defense commitment. Unlike NATO members, the US is not obligated to defend an MNNA if it is attacked. The designation symbolizes a strong and strategic partnership between the US and the foreign nation.
Countries With MNNA Status
Other nations that have MNNA status include:
Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.
Taiwan is treated as an MNNA but not officially designated.
New Defense Agreement and Military Sales
According to the White House, the new defense agreement strengthens the US role as a regional security partner and enhances cooperation between American and Saudi forces.
Trump also secured a deal for Saudi Arabia to purchase nearly 300 American-made military tanks, which he said will boost Saudi defense capability and support thousands of US jobs.
Deepening Economic and Strategic Ties
Trump highlighted massive Saudi investments in the US, stating:
- Saudi Arabia plans to invest $1 trillion in the US
- Over $270 billion in agreements and sales were signed this week
- Earlier, Saudi Arabia announced a $600 billion investment during Trump’s visit last spring
New agreements were also signed in civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and AI.
Focus on Regional Peace Efforts
Trump thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for helping achieve a “transformational peace deal” last month and supporting efforts that contributed to ending the war in Gaza.
Warm Welcome for the Crown Prince
Bin Salman was welcomed at the White House with a six-plane military flyover and a ceremonial Army mounted honor guard carrying US and Saudi flags. Trump called the crown prince “a really good friend.”
