President Donald Trump has announced plans to approve the sale of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, just ahead of a diplomatic visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: “We’ll be selling the F-35s.”
A potential deal could involve up to 48 F-35 aircraft, a multibillion-dollar agreement that has already cleared a major Pentagon hurdle. Saudi Arabia’s request comes as part of its broader efforts to modernize its air force.
Read more : Trump urges House Republicans to release Epstein files –
Moreover, this move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, raising concerns about changing the military balance in the Middle East. Critics warn that such a sale could challenge Washington’s long-standing mission to preserve Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”
Saudi Arabia’s push to acquire the stealth fighter jet is driven in part by its concerns over regional threats, especially from Iran. The kingdom currently operates a fleet of F-15s, Tornados, and Typhoons, but views the F-35 as a quantum leap in capability.
On the other hand, some U.S. lawmakers remain highly skeptical, citing Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and past controversies like the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Congress could complicate the transaction with new scrutiny or legislative obstacles.
Read more : Trump tells India’s Modi not to wage war on Pakistan
Nevertheless, Trump’s announcement underscores his administration’s willingness to deepen defense ties with Riyadh. It also highlights how the F-35 deal has become a central piece in the geopolitical chessboard of the Middle East.