US Set To Sell Multi-Billion-Dollar F-35 Fighter Jets To Saudi Arabia – Will It Create Unease In Israel? | World News

Washington/Riyadh: A historic military deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia is on the horizon as President Donald Trump prepares to approve the sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to the kingdom. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a request from Saudi Arabia to purchase 48 F-35 jets, which could be worth billions of dollars.

According to multiple sources cited by Reuters, this transaction has eliminated a major obstacle for the Pentagon before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s planned visit to the White House. The proposed sale marks a significant move in US-Saudi defense relations and could potentially shift the balance of power in the Middle East.

Under the deal, Riyadh will gain access to fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, bringing its air force capabilities to near parity with Israel, which currently operates F-35s.

Although U.S. law requires that arms sales to the Middle East not jeopardize Israel’s security, the move still represents a significant step in modernizing Saudi Arabia’s air power.

The Kingdom has long sought the F-35 to counter regional threats, including Iran. Currently, Riyadh operates US F-15s and European Tornado and Typhoon jets, but these aircraft do not match the advanced stealth, radar evasion and combat capabilities of the F-35.

Crown Prince Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative aims not only for economic growth but also for military self-reliance, and the F-35 acquisition is a cornerstone in achieving both.

Two officials familiar with the discussions confirmed to Reuters that Saudi Arabia expressed direct interest in purchasing the F-35 earlier this year.

The Pentagon is evaluating the sale at the level of 48 aircraft, but a final decision has not been made yet. The process still requires approval at multiple levels, including the cabinet, the president’s signature, and formal notification to Congress.

A Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the Department of Defense has been examining the potential sale for months and that the sale has now reached the review stage at the secretary level.

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, stated that such sales are made from government to government and that Washington is in the best position to carry out this transaction.

The deal has attracted attention in Israel, which is the only Middle Eastern country currently operating F-35s with multiple fleets in service. While US laws ensure that Israel maintains its technological superiority, the sale to Saudi Arabia introduces a new dynamic to regional military capabilities.

The strategic implications are profound. Saudi Arabia’s air force will make a significant leap in technology, increasing its operational range and precision attack capabilities.

This acquisition also signals Riyadh’s intention to modernize its defense industry and strengthen military self-sufficiency under the Vision 2030 plan.

Officials in Washington describe the agreement as a landmark step in US-Saudi defense cooperation. In Riyadh, this is seen as a turning point in the kingdom’s quest for improved military capability and regional influence.

Analysts suggest that this agreement could reshape the Middle East’s power calculations and redefine strategic alliances in the coming years.