Overview
- U.S. officials say the proposal has moved from the Pentagon’s policy office to the secretary level after months of internal vetting.
- Saudi Arabia requested as many as 48 Lockheed Martin F-35s, roughly two squadrons, in a multibillion-dollar package under consideration.
- Reporting comes ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s planned visit to Washington on November 18.
- Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize any sale, with continuing concerns tied to human rights issues including the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
- The move would test U.S. commitments to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge, as Israel remains the region’s only F-35 operator.