It's not new. KSA has taken such measures in the past. Their key concern citizens end up revolting against the state itself. Want to nip it in the bud should anti-Israel protests evolve into anti-Saudi.
His vision is creating a New Europe in Mideast. which can only happen if US is leading power. ( there is other ways but they are longer). i would think he gets intelligence on many things from US that may have contributed to his success in reforming Saudi society. so it is not just Boeing Aircraft or Choppers that they to have confidence.
I would call alliance of Hindu India, Israel and Gulf Arabs an alliance of Wealth where they control upper management of every large multinational firm and off course protection from bankrupt countries.

