Overview
- President Donald Trump said the U.S. will sell F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, a move that would make the kingdom the first Arab state to acquire the jets if the deal is completed.
- Saudi Arabia has requested up to 48 aircraft and the proposal cleared a key Pentagon policy hurdle, though no final export contract has been issued and delivery would face production and training timelines.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is in Washington for Oval Office talks, a formal dinner, and an investment conference in his first U.S. visit since the 2018 Khashoggi killing that U.S. intelligence linked to his approval.
- The talks span a wider package that includes prospective U.S. security assurances, expanded defense cooperation, access to advanced AI technology, and a framework to begin civilian nuclear cooperation under a 123 agreement.
- Lawmakers and Israeli officials have raised concerns about safeguarding sensitive F-35 technology and preserving Israel's edge, citing past hurdles that derailed the UAE’s bid and led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program.