Trump to Finalise F-35 Fighter Jet Deal With Saudi Arabia

Saudi flags were displayed outside the White House ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s arrival this week for talks on strengthening economic and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Asked by journalists whether he would continue selling advanced warplanes, Trump replied, “We will do that.”

The visit, planned for Tuesday, will include elaborate ceremonial elements such as military bands, cannon salutes and a horseback welcome, followed by bilateral meetings in the Oval Office and a black tie dinner.

Although not designated as an official state visit, the program includes a major investment forum examining cooperation in green technology, digital infrastructure, biotechnology and defense.

Trump said last week that he hoped to discuss the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, U.S.-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries.

“The Abraham Accords will be a piece that we will discuss,” Trump told reporters on Friday. “I hope Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords soon.”

The two leaders are expected to sign numerous economic and defense agreements focusing on technology and business partnerships during the visit.

Crown Prince Mohammed, 39, serves as the strong backup to his father, King Salman, 89, and is widely considered the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. He manages almost all day-to-day state affairs and often represents the kingdom at international summits.

His last White House visit was in 2018, a few months before the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a leading critic of the Saudi government, at the kingdom’s consulate in Türkiye.

Trump last met the crown prince in May during his visit to Riyadh, the first foreign trip of his second term. He was given a lavish welcome that included a fighter jet escort, a guard of honor with golden swords, and Arabian horses alongside his convoy.