Trump mulling over major weapons deals, THAAD sale in Saudi visit

US President Donald Trump is planning to sign multi-billion dollar weapons deals with Saudi Arabia during his upcoming visit to the country, including the possible sale of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system.

Trump has decided to visit Saudi Arabia before heading to Israel on his maiden international trip, a move that underscores the kingdom’s significance in his foreign policy.

The new Republican president is planning to enhance relations with the key Middle Eastern ally, which distanced itself from Washington after former President Barack Obama’s push for the historic nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers.

He also plans to deliver on his promises to boost manufacturing jobs in the US by offering the Riyadh regime a wide range of weapons deals, Reuters reported Friday, citing unnamed sources within the administration.

Apparently, Trump will offer the Saudis an agreement with weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin for a $1 billion THAAD missile system, similar to the one that the US has already sent to South Korea.

Trump criticized Saudi Arabia in late April, saying America was “losing a tremendous amount of money in defending Saudi Arabia” and the country should pay the US a fair share in return.