The United States has formally declared Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally (MNNA). This announcement was made during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, D.C.
- The United States formally declared Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally (MNNA), which is a historic upgrade in bilateral relations. This announcement was made during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, D.C.
- Although 20 countries including Pakistan, Kenya, Tunisia and Brazil have been given MNNA status, Saudi Arabia’s status symbolizes a major shift for the US in the region, bringing Riyadh on par with Israel in terms of military and economic privileges.
- In 2016, the United States recognized India as a “major defense partner”; this came less than a month after the House of Representatives passed the India Defense Technology and Partnership Act. However, it has not declared India a non-NATO ally.
- Both countries finalized a major strategic cooperation deal covering defense, artificial intelligence (AI), civil nuclear energy, and essential minerals.
- This move gives Saudi Arabia access to advanced military and economic special rights under US law, without expanding the mutual defense commitment that comes with full NATO membership.
- With MNNA status, the United States also confirmed a major arms sale agreement that includes F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets—making Saudi Arabia one of the few countries in the world, and the first in the Arab world, to receive fifth-generation aircraft.
Non-NATO ally
- Taiwan is also considered a major non-NATO ally, although it has not received formal designation.
- After the Nunn Amendment was enacted in 1987, Israel, Egypt, Japan, Australia and South Korea were the first countries to be given this status.
- The Bill Clinton administration later added New Zealand, Jordan and Argentina to it in 1996 and 1998.
- After the September 11 attacks and during the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, President George W. Bush designated Bahrain, the Philippines, Thailand, Kuwait, Morocco and Pakistan. During this time Taiwan also received de facto status.
- President Barack Obama added Afghanistan in 2012 and Tunisia in 2015, but Afghanistan’s status was revoked in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power.
- Trump added Brazil in 2019, while his successor Joe Biden added Colombia and Qatar in 2022.
- In 2024, President Biden also made Kenya the first sub-Saharan African major non-NATO ally. However, in August 2025, the US Senate ordered a large-scale review of Kenya’s MNNA status, expected to be completed by the next spring.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization-
- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was signed on 4 April 1949.
- Establishment: On 4 April 1949, it was established by the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty) by the United States and Western European countries.
- Founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States were founding members.
- Membership: Currently, the number of member countries is 32.
- Headquarters: It is located in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
- Principle: Based on the principle of collective defense, which is described in Article 5.
- First use: Article 5 was invoked for the first time after the terrorist attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001.
- Function: To address global threats such as cyber security, terrorism and emerging conflicts.
Both countries signed these major agreements,
- The heir to the throne had earlier pleased Mr. Trump by announcing that he was increasing the Saudi investment to $600 billion, a promise he had made to Mr. Trump during the US President’s visit to the country in May.
- Civil Nuclear Energy: Saudi Arabia will receive US support for peaceful nuclear technology, ensuring compliance with non-proliferation standards and enabling long-term clean energy development.
- Artificial intelligence and essential minerals: A partnership was created to expand AI research, development and governance, along with joint efforts to secure essential minerals needed for energy and defense supply chains.
- These collaborations are designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s technological capabilities and align with its Vision 2030 strategy for economic transformation.
