Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry has signed a partnership agreement with the US National Guard of Indiana and Oklahoma to boost defense cooperation.
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense has entered into a new partnership with the US National Guard of Indiana and Oklahoma, under the State Partnership Programme (SPP) of the US Department of Defense. The agreement, signed by senior officials from both sides, marks a new step in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
Representing Saudi Arabia, Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff, signed the agreement, while the US side was represented by Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the US National Guard Bureau; Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino, Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Lawrence Munich, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard.
The SPP, which connects the US National Guard with military and civilian counterparts in more than 115 countries, focuses on fostering long-term partnerships that support global security and stability.
Under the new agreement, Saudi Arabia and the two US state National Guards will collaborate on joint defense capabilities, training, leadership development, strategic planning, and emergency response. Future initiatives include joint military exercises, officer exchange programmes, field training in both countries, and specialized workshops in areas such as artificial intelligence, crisis management, and disaster preparedness.
Beyond military activities, the partnership will also extend to community and cultural projects, strengthening ties between the Saudi Armed Forces and their US counterparts while building institutional cooperation for the future.
Officials highlighted that the agreement reflects the commitment of both nations to enhancing readiness and fostering mutual expertise in order to contribute to regional and global stability.
