Overview
- Saudi Arabia has requested about 48 F-35s, and the proposal has cleared a key Pentagon review in what would be the first U.S. transfer of the jets to the kingdom.
- Any sale must navigate congressional oversight, export-licensing steps and years of production and pilot training before delivery is possible.
- U.S. law requiring preservation of Israel’s qualitative military edge will shape the deal’s specifics, and some Israeli officials have reportedly tied acceptance to Saudi normalization with Israel.
- Pentagon and intelligence officials have raised concerns about protecting sensitive F-35 technology, including potential exposure through Saudi ties with China.
- The crown prince’s visit features Oval Office talks and a formal dinner, with discussions expected to cover a possible U.S. security pledge, a civilian nuclear cooperation framework and large Saudi investment commitments.