The Trump administration is evaluating a Saudi request to purchase 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The potential multi-billion-dollar deal could be announced ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, signalling one of the most consequential defence moves in years.
According to a Reuters report, such a sale would mark a significant policy shift, one that could alter the regional military balance and challenge Washington’s long-standing commitment to preserving Israel’s “qualitative military edge.” While Riyadh’s ambition to acquire the fifth-generation fighter is not new, the precise scale of its request had remained unclear until now.
A source close to the discussions said the Pentagon is currently reviewing the feasibility of exporting 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia. A U.S. official confirmed that the proposal is moving through the system but noted that no final decision has been made. Further Cabinet-level approvals — including the President’s authorisation and formal congressional notification — would be required before any agreement can proceed.
Saudi Arabia, already the largest customer for U.S. weapons, has sought the F-35 for years as part of efforts to modernise its air force and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran. The new twin-squadron request follows clear signals from the Trump administration that it is ready to deepen defence cooperation with Riyadh. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently operates a mix of aircraft, including fighters supplied by Boeing.
The F-35 issue is also entangled with broader diplomatic dynamics. The Biden administration had previously explored a potential transfer of the aircraft to Saudi Arabia as part of a wider package aimed at normalising relations between Riyadh and Israel — an initiative that ultimately failed. Since returning to office, President Trump has prioritised expanding arms sales to the Kingdom. In May, Washington approved a defence package worth around $142 billion, described by the White House as “the largest defence cooperation agreement in U.S. history.”
During Trump’s former term, the United Arab Emirates had also sought F-35s — a plan Israel opposed at the time. Trump reportedly offered Israel the F-22 Raptor instead to ease concerns. Although current Saudi-Israeli relations are relatively positive, Israel could use the F-35 issue to secure new concessions from both Washington and Riyadh before endorsing any sale.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
