DefenseTrump considers F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Prince visit
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he is considering a deal to supply F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, just days before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to visit the White House.
The possible sale of up to 48 aircraft comes as the administration seeks to finalize economic and defense agreements with Riyadh, part of efforts to encourage Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords that have normalized ties between Israel and several Muslim-majority nations.
Trump stated, “They want to buy many jets,” according to Reuters. The proposed deal has drawn Israeli attention, with officials linking approval to Saudi normalization with Israel.
An Israeli official noted, “We told the Trump administration that supplying F-35s to Saudi Arabia needs to be subject to Saudi normalization with Israel.” Another official said, “We are less concerned about such a weapons system in Saudi Arabia if it is part of regional security cooperation under the Abraham Accords.”
A Pentagon intelligence report raised concerns that F-35 technology could be acquired by China if transferred to Saudi Arabia, highlighting potential security implications for US defense exports.
Israel currently operates 45 F-35s and has 30 more on order, making it the only Middle Eastern nation with the aircraft in service. Israeli officials have consistently sought to maintain a qualitative military edge in the region, expressing caution over advanced arms sales to neighboring states.
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