F-35 jets
Defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and America can reach a new level. Royers quoted sources as saying that the Trump administration is seriously considering Saudi Arabia’s request to buy 48 F-35 fighter jets. This deal could be worth billions of dollars and if it is approved, it will give a new direction to Saudi Arabia’s military power. It is being told that this proposal has crossed a major hurdle of the Pentagon and is now under consideration at the higher level.
World’s most advanced fighter jet
F-35 jet is considered the most advanced fighter in the world. It is made with stealth technology, which makes it almost invisible from enemy radar. Currently only Israel is operating this jet in the Middle East, and if Saudi Arabia gets this jet, it could change the military balance in the entire region.
America’s policy and challenge
Washington’s longstanding policy has been to ensure that Israel’s ‘qualitative military edge’ is maintained before any arms deal in the Middle East. That is, Israel should always be kept technologically stronger than its neighboring Arab countries. The possibility of giving F-35 to Saudi is being considered the biggest test of this policy.
New warmth in Trump and Saudi relations
After the return of the Trump administration, relations between America and Saudi Arabia seem to be strengthening again. In May 2025, Washington agreed to the sale of arms worth $142 billion to Saudi Arabia, which was described as the largest defense cooperation agreement so far. If the F-35 deal is approved, it will further deepen the relationship between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The road to approval is still pending
However, this deal is still in the initial stage. Approval from the Pentagon, White House and US Congress will be required before the final decision. This deal will be able to proceed formally only after Trump’s signature. According to American officials, discussions on this have been going on for several months and now the matter has reached the Defense Secretary level.
Political challenges also exist
According to Reuters report, some members of the US government are still cautious about arms deals with Saudi Arabia. After the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, many questions were raised on arms deals with Riyadh. Therefore, the possibility of political opposition regarding the sale of F-35 cannot be ruled out.