According to US-based sources, President Donald Trump’s administration has begun evaluating Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase 48 F-35 fighter jets. Sources familiar with the matter reported that prior to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the US, the Pentagon had passed a critical approval stage, and a multi-billion-dollar sales agreement was now on the table.
A New Phase That Could Shift the Military Balance in the Middle East
Reports suggest that the proposed sale has the potential to alter the balance of military power in the Middle East and signals a possible policy shift that could test Washington’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia directly approached US President Donald Trump, expressing its long-standing desire to acquire F-35 fighter jets. According to Reuters, the Pentagon is currently assessing the potential sale of 48 of these advanced aircraft.
Pentagon Approval Complete, Final Decision with the White House
Two US officials familiar with the discussions confirmed that the sales process was progressing within the system but that no final decision had yet been made.
To complete the process, cabinet approval, President Trump’s signature, and formal notification to the US Congress are required.
One of the officials stated that the Pentagon’s policy department had been working on the sale for months and that the file was now under review at the ministerial level.
The Pentagon, White House, and US State Department have not yet responded to requests for comment. A Lockheed Martin spokesperson stated, “Military sales are conducted through government-to-government processes, therefore the evaluation will be carried out by Washington.”
The Israel Factor: Washington’s Most Delicate Balance
Under US law, Washington evaluates all arms sales to the Middle East to ensure that Israel’s military superiority in the region is maintained.
Israel has been actively operating F-35s—the world’s most advanced fighter jets—for nearly a decade and remains the only country in the region to possess them.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Modernisation Gains Momentum
As one of the US’s largest arms customers, Saudi Arabia aims to modernise its air force and strengthen its deterrence capabilities, particularly against regional threats posed by Iran.
The Kingdom’s request for enough F-35s to equip two squadrons is viewed as a sign that the Trump administration is open to deepening defence cooperation with Riyadh.
Currently, the Royal Saudi Air Force operates Boeing F-15s, Tornadoes, and Eurofighter Typhoons.
Reviving Past F-35 Talks That Once Fell Through
The F-35 issue had previously come up during the Biden administration, but the process stalled due to conditions tied to diplomatic normalisation with Israel.
Since returning to office, the Trump administration has re-prioritised defence relations with Saudi Arabia.
In May, Washington signed a $142 billion arms agreement, calling it “the largest defence cooperation in history.”
However, Congress is expected to oppose any potential F-35 sale. In particular, many members remain cautious about deepening military cooperation with Riyadh in the wake of the Jamal Khashoggi murder.
Vision 2030 and the Regional Balance of Power
The potential F-35 sale aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” strategy, which encompasses comprehensive economic and military modernisation efforts.
While maintaining its traditional security ties with the US, Saudi Arabia has in recent years also prioritised diversifying its defence procurement sources.
