In a move set to reshape the Middle East's military landscape, the United States has announced it will approve the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The decision coincides with the first US visit in seven years by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, a figure internationally linked to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
A Landmark Defence Deal
President Donald Trump confirmed the landmark agreement from the Oval Office, stating that Saudi Arabia, a great ally, wants to buy the jets and we will be selling them F-35s. This sale would make the Kingdom the first nation in the Middle East to gain access to these sophisticated stealth aircraft, with the longstanding exception of Israel.
The announcement was timed to mark the Crown Prince's arrival on Tuesday. A White House official also indicated that a potential working relationship with Israel and a broader US-Saudi partnership are on the table for discussion during the high-profile visit.
Regional Repercussions and Security Concerns
This prospective arms deal is poised to dramatically alter the regional balance of power. Analysts point out that an F-35 plane could fly from Saudi Arabia to Israel in a matter of minutes, raising immediate security concerns for the Israeli government.
In response, Israel has asked President Trump to condition the sale of the jets, stating they are not opposed but that it must be subject to Saudi normalization of Israel. They are likely to seek further security assurances should the agreement proceed.
However, experts caution that the announcement may not immediately result in the delivery of the jets. The devil will kind of be in the details there, noted Andrew Leber of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, referencing a prior deal with the United Arab Emirates that ultimately fell through. The US Congress retains the power to review and potentially block the sale.
Broader Political and Business Context
The deal continues President Trump's tradition of promoting large arms deals with Gulf states as a win-win situation. The development occurs against a backdrop of significant financial ties between the Trump family and Saudi Arabia, including active projects like Trump Tower in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Coinciding with the Crown Prince's visit, the Trump Organization, with its Saudi-linked partners Dar Global, has announced a new project set to open in the Maldives in 2028.
