Saudi Arabia Signs Military Partnership with US National Guard

The Ministry of Defense yesterday signed a military partnership agreement with the US National Guard of Indiana and Oklahoma, as part of the US Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program aimed at strengthening defense and security cooperation.

 The agreement, signed by Saudi Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and US officials including Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Steven Nordhaus, focuses on several key areas, such as developing joint defense capabilities, enhancing the readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces, participating in joint military exercises, advancing leadership development and strategic planning, and strengthening emergency and disaster management.

 Plans comprise joint field training, officer exchange programs, and specialized workshops on topics like artificial intelligence and crisis management. Indiana and Oklahoma were selected for their expertise in military training, leadership development, and disaster response.

 Al-Ruwaili praised the partnership as a historic and strategic investment that will strengthen the Saudi Armed Forces and reinforce their role as a reliable partner in regional security. US officials also expressed pride in the agreement, emphasizing its significance for long-term defense cooperation between the two nations.