Trump Signals Support for Selling F35 Jets to Saudi Arabia Ahead of High Level Meeting

United States President Donald Trump has said he intends to approve the sale of American made F35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision that could reshape military dynamics in the Middle East and influence long standing security arrangements in the region. His comments came one day before he is scheduled to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington for a full day of diplomatic discussions.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump said that the United States would move forward with plans to sell the advanced aircraft to the kingdom. He stated simply that the administration would be selling the F35s, giving one of the clearest signals yet that Washington is prepared to support Riyadh’s request for the fifth generation stealth fighters. The F35 is considered one of the most sophisticated combat aircraft in the world and is a central element of American military technology.

The potential deal would represent a major shift in United States policy. Traditionally, Washington has limited the sale of certain weapons in the region in order to protect Israel’s military advantage. This concept known as Israel’s qualitative military edge has shaped United States arms sales in the Middle East for decades. Any sale of advanced equipment such as the F35 requires careful review to ensure that Israel remains able to defend itself against threats in the region.

Allowing Saudi Arabia to purchase the F35 would raise questions about how Washington plans to balance its commitments to both countries. Analysts say the United States has been working to strengthen strategic ties with Saudi Arabia due to shared concerns over regional security, energy stability and growing tensions with Iran. The introduction of the F35 into the Saudi arsenal would enhance the kingdom’s air power significantly and place it among a small group of nations with access to the aircraft.

The timing of the announcement also underscores the importance of the upcoming discussions between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Relations between Washington and Riyadh have seen periods of both cooperation and strain in recent years. The meeting is expected to include talks on security, defence cooperation and broader regional issues. The possibility of a major arms deal adds further weight to the agenda.

Experts note that any formal approval process will involve multiple layers of review by the United States government, including evaluations by defence officials and members of Congress. Supporters of the potential sale argue that strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities could contribute to long term regional stability. Critics however warn that altering the balance of military power could create new challenges in an already sensitive environment.

The White House has not released further details about the timeline for the sale or the size of the potential order, but President Trump’s comments suggest that the matter will feature prominently in conversations with the Saudi delegation.