In a significant move that could reshape Middle Eastern military dynamics, former President Donald Trump has announced the United States will proceed with selling advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The declaration came during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's high-profile visit to the US in November 2025.
Historic Defence Agreement Finalised
The proposed sale involves advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, representing one of the most sophisticated combat aircraft currently available. This decision marks a dramatic shift in US foreign policy toward the Kingdom and signals a deepening of military cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking during the Saudi leader's visit, Trump framed the agreement as strengthening regional security partnerships. "This is about ensuring our allies have the capabilities they need to defend themselves," the former president stated, emphasising the strategic importance of the US-Saudi relationship.
Regional Implications and Concerns
The potential sale has already generated significant debate among policy experts and regional observers. Of particular concern is how this development might affect the delicate military balance in the Middle East, especially regarding Israel's qualitative military edge.
Traditionally, the United States has been careful to maintain Israel's technological superiority in the region. The prospect of Saudi Arabia operating the same advanced stealth fighters as the Israeli air force represents a substantial departure from this long-standing policy.
Defence analysts note that the F-35 sale could prompt neighbouring countries to seek comparable advanced weapon systems, potentially triggering a regional arms race. Nations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar may intensify their efforts to acquire similar fifth-generation fighter capabilities.
Timeline and Implementation
The announcement comes after years of negotiations between Washington and Riyadh regarding the potential transfer of advanced military technology. Previous administrations had hesitated to approve such sales due to human rights concerns and regional stability considerations.
While specific numbers of aircraft and delivery timelines remain undisclosed, defence industry sources suggest the deal could involve multiple squadrons of F-35s valued at billions of dollars. The implementation will likely occur in phases, with initial deliveries expected within the next several years.
The agreement also includes comprehensive training programmes for Saudi pilots and maintenance crews, along with sophisticated support systems necessary to operate the advanced stealth aircraft effectively.
Broader Strategic Context
This defence agreement forms part of a broader realignment of Middle Eastern alliances and security partnerships. Recent years have seen normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, creating new opportunities for regional cooperation against common security threats.
The F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone in this evolving strategic landscape. It underscores the shifting priorities in US foreign policy and reflects the growing perception of Iran and non-state actors as primary regional security challenges.
As the details of this landmark agreement continue to emerge, international observers will be closely monitoring how this development influences the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the contemporary Middle East.
