United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will greenlight the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

This decision marks a significant shift in US policy towards Saudi Arabia and is intended to strengthen the strategic defence relationship between the two countries. Trump made the announcement in November 2025, just before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the White House.

This decision marks a significant shift in Washington's approach to transferring sophisticated military technology to Arab nations, signalling deeper defence cooperation between the US and Riyadh. The announcement was made on the eve of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's first visit to the US in over seven years, underlining the strengthening ties between the two countries.​​

Trump praised Saudi Arabia as a "great ally" and underscored the kingdom's importance to US strategic interests, particularly in the context of regional security challenges posed by Iran. The move comes after Saudi Arabia sought clearer US security guarantees following recent missile and drone attacks, which exposed the scale of threats facing the kingdom, largely attributed to Iran-backed groups.

The F-35, with its stealth technology, integrated sensors, and precision weapons, is central to US air power and is considered one of the most advanced fighter aircraft globally.​

Until now, Israel has been the only Middle East country cleared to operate the F-35 under Washington’s commitment to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge. Trump's decision illustrates a departure from this policy and is seen as part of a broader US strategy to secure Saudi cooperation in advancing peace efforts in the region, including potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.​​

The deal is expected to include an executive order for US military protection guarantees to Saudi Arabia, similar to those provided for Qatar. However, these guarantees do not have the permanence of treaty agreements and can be altered by future administrations. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 modernisation programme depends heavily on such enhanced US defence partnerships.​

While the announcement has received mixed reactions within Washington due to concerns about sensitive technology potentially falling into Chinese hands, Trump proceeded with the sale. This was despite some internal administration concerns about the risk of exposure. The visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also expected to produce other significant agreements including investments in US artificial intelligence infrastructure and cooperation on civil nuclear energy.​

Critics remain wary due to ongoing human rights concerns linked to Saudi leadership and regional tensions. Moreover, the US must carefully balance these developments without undermining longstanding alliances or destabilising the region further. Nonetheless, Trump’s approval signals a robust commitment to strengthening military ties with Saudi Arabia, aiming to counter Iranian influence and ensure US strategic dominance in the Middle East.​​

Trump’s green light for the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal development in US arms export policy to the Middle East, aligning with broader strategic goals of military modernisation and regional stability under complex geopolitical pressures.​​

Agencies