U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans this week to sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant development in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The November 17 declaration came ahead of diplomatic talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, scheduled for November 18.
The proposed deal for 48 fifth-generation aircraft has cleared a critical Pentagon review, according to officials. Analysts suggest this $12 billion transaction could challenge Washington's longstanding policy of maintaining Israel's military superiority in the region – a principle enshrined in U.S. law since 2008.
Security experts warn the sale might require compensatory measures for Israel, potentially including earlier access to newer U.S. technologies. The move comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to modernize its defenses amid heightened tensions with Iran and evolving security partnerships across the Gulf region.
Regional governments have yet to issue formal responses, though anonymous diplomatic sources indicate concerns about an accelerating arms race. The U.S. State Department emphasizes that final approval remains contingent on congressional review and technology transfer safeguards.
