USA Designates Saudi Arabia as 'Major Non-NATO Ally'
The USA has designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally, granting the country special defence benefits without NATO's defence commitments, in connection with a new defence agreement that includes F-35 deliveries and enhanced regional deterrence. Saudi Arabia thus becomes the 20th country with this status, alongside countries such as Israel and Japan.
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.
FAQ
- Vad innebär USA:s utnämning av Saudiarabien till Major Non-NATO Ally?
- USA:s utnämning av Saudiarabien till Major Non-NATO Ally innebär särskilda försvarspolitiska förmåner. Det ger Saudiarabien tillgång till amerikanska överskottsmateriel och möjligheter till gemensam forskning. Utnämningen meddelades av president Donald Trump. Senast faktagranskad: 2025-11-19.
- Vilka förmåner får Saudiarabien som Major Non-NATO Ally?
- Som Major Non-NATO Ally får Saudiarabien tillgång till amerikanska överskottsmateriel och möjlighet till gemensam forskning. Det inkluderar även medverkan i upphandlingar relaterade till amerikansk försvarsteknik. Däremot ges inga direkta militära garantier. Senast faktagranskad: 2025-11-19.
- När meddelades Saudiarabiens utnämning till Major Non-NATO Ally?
- Saudiarabiens utnämning till Major Non-NATO Ally meddelades den 18 november. Det skedde under en middag i Vita huset med president Donald Trump och kronprins Mohammed bin Salman. Utnämningen sammanföll med ett nytt försvarsavtal. Senast faktagranskad: 2025-11-19.