US President Trump plans to sell Saudi Arabia advanced F-35 fighter jets, days before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s White House visit.
Trump described Saudi Arabia as a “great ally” and said the sale is in line with strengthening US-Saudi ties. If completed, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to acquire F-35 jets.
The deal raises concerns about maintaining Israel’s long-standing military edge in the Middle East. Israeli officials have warned that selling such advanced jets could trigger a regional arms race and weaken their aerial superiority.
The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the most sophisticated fighter jets in the world, featuring stealth technology and advanced systems. Previous US administrations have ensured that arms sales to Arab nations do not compromise Israel’s qualitative military advantage.
The potential sale comes amid Trump’s broader Middle East strategy, which includes encouraging stronger relations between Arab nations and Israel under the Abraham Accords. Congress retains the power to block the sale, and the deal’s progress will be closely watched internationally.