Washington: President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he intends to move forward with Saudi Arabia’s request to acquire U.S.‑made F‑35 fighter jets. The statement came a day before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s scheduled visit to the White House for talks on defense and diplomacy.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the United States will sell the aircraft to Riyadh, a decision that could mark a major shift in regional security policy. Saudi Arabia has asked to buy up to 48 of the stealth fighters, a multibillion‑dollar transaction that has already cleared a Pentagon review.
The kingdom has long sought the F‑35 to modernize its air force and counter threats from Iran. Its fleet currently includes Boeing F‑15s, European Tornados, and Typhoons. The F‑35, built by Lockheed Martin, is considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet, equipped with stealth technology that allows it to evade radar detection.
Israel has operated the aircraft for nearly a decade and remains the only Middle Eastern country with multiple squadrons. U.S. policy traditionally ensures Israel maintains a “qualitative military edge” over its neighbors, meaning any sale to Saudi Arabia would be closely examined.
According to Reuters, Congress is expected to scrutinize the deal. Lawmakers have previously raised concerns about arms sales to Riyadh, particularly after the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Some remain cautious about expanding military cooperation with the kingdom.
The issue also ties into broader diplomatic efforts. Previous U.S. administrations explored offering F‑35s to Saudi Arabia as part of a wider agreement that included normalization of relations with Israel, though those talks stalled. Trump’s announcement signals a renewed push to deepen defense ties with Riyadh despite lingering questions over regional stability.