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Report: Saudi request to purchase F-35 fighter jets advances after Pentagon review
Report: Saudi request to purchase F-35 fighter jets advances after Pentagon review
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration is considering a Saudi Arabian request to buy as many as 48 F-35 fighter jets, a potential multi-billion-dollar deal that has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle ahead of a visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, two sources familiar with the matter said. A sale would mark a significant policy shift, potentially altering the military balance in the Middle East and testing Washington's definition of maintaining Israel's 'qualitative military edge.' Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal earlier this year to U.S. President Donald Trump and has long been interested in Lockheed Martin's fighter, according to reports from various officials involved in the discussions. The Pentagon is currently weighing a potential sale of 48 of the advanced aircraft. This request's size and its status have not been previously reported, although sources have confirmed its progression through the review process. The deal will require several more steps before being finalized, including further approvals at the Cabinet level and notification to Congress. The Pentagon's policy department has been working meticulously on the potential transaction, which has now progressed to the Secretary level within the Defense Department. Officials have indicated that no final decision has been made yet, and multiple approvals will be necessary before any concrete commitment is established. Washington typically evaluates weapons sales to the Middle East closely to ensure that Israel retains a 'qualitative military edge.' This means that Israel would receive more advanced U.S. weaponry than Arab states. The F-35, known for its stealth capabilities, is regarded as the most sophisticated fighter jet globally and has been operated by Israel for nearly a decade. Israel remains the only nation in the Middle East to currently possess this advanced system. Saudi Arabia, recognized as the largest customer for U.S. arms, has pursued the F-35 for several years as part of its efforts to modernize its air force against regional threats, particularly concerning Iran. This renewed interest by the kingdom to secure multiple squadrons comes as the Trump administration exhibits a willingness to deepen defense collaboration with Riyadh. The Saudi Air Force currently operates a range of fighter aircraft, including Boeing F-15s and European Tornados, but is particularly keen on advancing its capabilities through the acquisition of the F-35. The discussions surrounding the F-35 are intertwined with broader diplomatic frameworks, where the Biden administration once contemplated incorporating an F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia as part of a larger agreement that would facilitate the normalization of relations between Riyadh and Israel, although these discussions have since stalled. Arms sales to Saudi Arabia have been a priority for Trump, highlighted by a substantial arms package in May worth nearly $142 billion, claimed to be the largest defense cooperation agreement in U.S. history. However, any potential sale of F-35s is likely to encounter scrutiny from Congress, particularly following past controversies, such as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which raised concerns among lawmakers regarding U.S.-Saudi military collaborative efforts. This potential sale occurs alongside Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, aimed at diversifying the kingdom's defense partnerships while retaining its long-standing security relationship with the United States. It encapsulates a strategic pivot by Saudi Arabia to advance its military capabilities significantly. Recent developments signal a shifting landscape in defense spending and partnerships in the Middle East, which could have broad implications for regional security dynamics. As the discussions continue, observers point to a necessity for transparency and accountability regarding arms deals within the region. The outcomes will not only shape the military capabilities of Gulf states but also influence U.S. foreign policy in the Middle Eastern theater.