Overview
- Reuters reports the request has advanced to the secretary level at the Pentagon, indicating internal progress without a final decision.
- Saudi officials made a direct appeal to President Trump earlier this year, seeking roughly two squadrons of the Lockheed Martin stealth fighters.
- A transfer would represent a major policy shift and could test U.S. commitments to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
- Congressional resistance remains a potential hurdle given past objections to arms deals with Riyadh following the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
- Lockheed Martin said foreign military sales are government-to-government matters, and U.S. agencies declined to comment as the review continues ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected Washington visit.