The United States has formally designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), which means the country receives special defence policy benefits without being covered by NATO's mutual defence commitments. The announcement was made by President Donald Trump during a dinner at the White House on 18 November, during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's state visit to Washington DC.
The designation coincides with a new defence agreement between the countries. It includes future F-35 deliveries, enhanced regional deterrence, and increased defence industrial cooperation.
Benefits without security guarantees
MNNA status is a designation under US law given to selected partner countries. It provides access to, for example, US surplus materiel, opportunities for joint research and training, and participation in procurements related to US defence technology. However, it does not entail any direct military guarantees from the United States.
Saudi Arabia becomes the 20th country to be granted this status. Among other countries are Israel, Japan, Colombia, and Thailand.