President Donald Trump is anticipated to finalize an agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that would enable the kingdom to acquire F-35 stealth aircraft, according to an administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The official indicated that Trump and bin Salman, commonly referred to as MBS, plan to sign a series of economic and defense agreements during the crown prince’s visit to the White House on Tuesday. These agreements are expected to encompass a deal for the purchase of liquefied natural gas, although further specifics were not provided.
If realized, the sale of F-35 jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp. and among the most advanced in the world, would represent a significant concession to Saudi Arabia as both nations seek to strengthen their partnership. Furthermore, Trump is reportedly urging Saudi Arabia to align with the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in purchasing F-35 aircraft, which are priced at approximately $100 million each, according to officials familiar with the ongoing negotiations. Nonetheless, there are substantial hurdles to overcome. One concern is Israel’s exclusive possession of such fighter jets, which the country considers vital for its security.
A Pentagon report has raised alarms about the potential for China to obtain advanced technology from the F-35 if the sale to Saudi Arabia goes through, particularly in light of Beijing’s defense ties with Riyadh, as reported by the New York Times.
The F-35 sale is one of several subjects on the agenda for discussion between Trump and MBS during the visit, which will also address topics such as access to artificial intelligence chips, nuclear technology, the future of Gaza, and Saudi relations with Israel.
The bilateral relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia has faced tension since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, yet Trump has made efforts to maintain a close rapport with the crown prince.
The White House declined to comment when approached for response.
