US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he is open to approving a major F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, a key US security partner in the Middle East. His Oval Office remarks drew global attention because the F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and such a sale would mark a significant shift in long-standing US defense policy.
Trump’s statement came just a day before his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington. The move suggests that the US may be preparing for its first-ever F-35 sale to Riyadh, a step that could affect the region’s military balance. For years, the US has tightly controlled the transfer of high-tech weapons to maintain Israel’s “qualitative military edge” over neighboring countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Push for the F-35 Jets and the F-35 Sale Request
Saudi Arabia has wanted the F-35 fighter jet for years, and the latest discussions around an F-35 sale bring the kingdom closer to that goal. The F-35 is known for its stealth design, advanced sensors, and its ability to avoid radar detection. These features make it one of the most powerful aircraft in the world.
The kingdom is reportedly interested in purchasing up to 48 F-35 jets, which would be worth billions of dollars. If the F-35 sale goes through, it would further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as the largest buyer of American weapons.
For Saudi Arabia, the aircraft is not just about modernization. It is also about strengthening national security. The country faces ongoing threats from Iran and regional armed groups. Saudi officials believe that owning the F-35 would help protect the kingdom from missile attacks, drone strikes, and other risks.
According to sources who spoke to Reuters, Saudi Arabia made a direct request to Trump earlier this year to approve the F-35 sale. Pentagon officials have already spent months reviewing how such a transfer could be carried out and how it could impact US security interests.
The F-35 Sale Faces Challenges in the United States
Even with Trump’s support, the F-35 sale is not guaranteed. All major American military sales must pass through the US Congress, which has the power to block or delay deals.
Several lawmakers are concerned about strengthening military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, especially after the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Some members of Congress argue that approving the F-35 sale would send the wrong message unless there are changes in Saudi Arabia’s policies.
Another key issue is America’s long-standing promise to protect Israel’s “qualitative military edge.” Because the F-35 is the most advanced aircraft in the US inventory, any transfer of these jets to another Middle Eastern country requires careful analysis. The United States must ensure that Israel continues to hold the most advanced defense technology in the region.
Under the previous government, President Joe Biden’s administration also explored including the F-35 in a broader diplomatic arrangement that aimed at potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, the discussions did not result in an agreement, and the transfer was not approved.
Trump’s new statement now puts the issue back in international headlines and increases attention on Washington’s next move.
Other Weapons Already Approved for Saudi Arabia
While the F-35 sale is still under review, the United States has recently approved several other major weapons deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier reports confirmed that the US State Department has approved:
- Hellfire II Missiles
Saudi Arabia will buy 2,503 AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles, used on Apache helicopters. These laser-guided missiles are highly accurate and effective against armored vehicles and fortified positions.
Value: $655 million
- AIM-9X Block 3 Missiles
The US approved the sale of 220 AIM-9X Block 3 advanced air-to-air missiles for Saudi F-15 fighter jets. These are high-precision missiles used to target enemy aircraft.
Value: $251 million
- 105 mm M456 HEAT Tank Rounds
Saudi Arabia will also purchase 105 mm M456 HEAT rounds, used by its M60A3 tanks, along with other ammunition.
Value: $139 million
These approvals show that the US-Saudi defense partnership continues to grow, even as the F-35 sale remains under debate.
