In a significant geopolitical development, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States will proceed with the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The announcement coincides with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s high-profile visit to Washington—his first trip to the US in over seven years.
Trump stated, “We’ll be selling F-35s,” confirming long-speculated plans that had remained stalled due to concerns within the US administration. Key officials have reportedly warned that the deal could allow China indirect access to sensitive American defence technology, especially as Saudi Arabia deepens its economic and military ties with Beijing.
Additionally, the sale has raised security concerns for Israel, which traditionally enjoys a qualitative military edge (QME) in the region. Despite these objections, the approval aligns with Trump’s broader diplomatic strategy to expand the Abraham Accords by drawing Saudi Arabia closer to the US-led regional framework.
The decision marks a major shift in US–Saudi defence cooperation and signals Washington’s intention to strengthen alliances amid intensifying global strategic competition.
