Saudi Arabia Eyes MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drones and Strategic Energy Acquisitions

At the IDEX arms fair in Abu Dhabi, General Atomics revealed that they are in the early stages of offering Saudi Arabia a substantial deal involving MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. The company’s president, Dave Alexander, highlighted that Saudi Arabia has shown significant interest in the drones, which could create thousands of U.S. jobs if the deal goes through. While details are still being finalized, the deal would involve a large number of aircraft and potentially include local production elements within Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has traditionally sourced drones from China and Turkey, having made significant purchases in the past, including CH-4 drones from China and the Akinci drones from Turkey’s Baykar. However, recent frustration has grown in the Gulf over delays in U.S. defense equipment deliveries. Alexander is optimistic about the future, anticipating that under the new Trump administration, defense deals with regional allies will be fast-tracked without the typical delays and conditions, making the SeaGuardian deal a real possibility.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power has made a strategic acquisition, purchasing Engie’s stakes in four power plants and water desalination facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait for $693 million. This acquisition adds 4.61 gigawatts of gas-fired power and significant water desalination capacity, solidifying ACWA’s presence in the region. ACWA Power has been transitioning toward renewable energy, including green hydrogen projects, and has partnered with Japan’s Itochu on a green ammonia project in Egypt.

Both developments—Saudi interest in the MQ-9B drones and ACWA’s energy acquisitions—highlight the Kingdom’s growing influence and investment in defense and energy sectors, positioning itself as a key player in the Middle East.