Trump administration approves sale of F

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Published: 2026-09-17T22:56:01.153Z • Permanent link

Details of the Trump administration's approval of the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia have been slowly emerging, painting a complex picture of international politics and defense procurement. According to sources, the decision was announced last week, with Saudi Arabia being the first country to acquire the latest model of the F-35, the F-35A. The sale is valued at approximately $1.7 billion, making it one of the largest defense deals in recent history.

The sale is attributed to a series of diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration, which has been actively seeking to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. The F-35 jets, developed by Lockheed Martin, will be used by the Saudi Royal Air Force to enhance its combat capabilities and modernize its fleet. The deal is also seen as a strategic move by the US to counterbalance Iranian influence in the region.

Details of the sale are still emerging, but it is understood that Saudi Arabia will receive 150 F-35A jets, with the first batch expected to be delivered in 2024. The deal has sparked debate among defense analysts, who argue that the sale could have significant implications for regional stability and the global arms trade.

The approval of the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia has significant implications for the global defense industry. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, is expected to benefit from the deal, with the company's shares rising by over 10% in the days following the announcement. However, the sale has also raised concerns among human rights groups, who have long criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The sale of advanced military equipment to Saudi Arabia has also sparked debate among researchers, who argue that it could exacerbate the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The F-35 jets are capable of carrying advanced precision-guided munitions, which could be used to target civilian areas, further destabilizing the region. The deal has also raised questions about the effectiveness of international arms control agreements, which have been criticized by human rights groups for failing to prevent the sale of advanced military equipment to countries with questionable human rights records.

The approval of the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia is part of a larger pattern of increasing military cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the two countries have signed several major defense agreements, including a $23 billion deal to purchase F-15EX fighter jets. The deal has sparked debate among defense analysts, who argue that it reflects a shift in US defense policy towards a more proactive approach to regional security.