Trump Says U.S. Will Sell F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia Ahead of White House Meeting
The pledge departs from past limits on F-35 exports, prompting likely congressional review.
Overview
- Saudi Arabia has requested up to 48 F-35s in a deal worth several billions of dollars, according to the coverage.
- Only Israel currently fields the F-35 in the Middle East, a factor driving concerns over Israel’s qualitative military edge.
- U.S. officials still must complete formal export steps, with lawmakers signaling possible objections tied to rights and regional risks.
- Reporting says Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are expected to sign a framework for civil nuclear cooperation under Section 123 rules.
- National security officials have voiced worries that a sale could expose sensitive technology, including fears of possible Chinese access, O Globo reported.