Saudi Arabia Requests USA to Buy 48 F-35 Jets

WASHINGTON: The United States is set to approve Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase up to 48 F-35 fighter jets, sources told Reuters.

According to two officials familiar with the matter, the potential sale marks a major policy shift that could reshape the Middle East’s military balance and test Washington’s long-standing policy of ensuring Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”

Saudi Arabia submitted its request earlier this year directly to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Pentagon is now evaluating the proposed sale, though officials emphasize that no final decision has been made. The deal still requires Cabinet-level reviews, Trump’s formal approval, and notification to Congress before proceeding.

Pentagon sources said the proposal has been under internal review for months and has now reached the secretary-level stage within the Defense Department. The Pentagon, White House, and State Department declined to comment, while a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said all military sales are handled through government-to-government channels.

The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is the world’s most advanced stealth fighter, capable of evading radar detection. Israel remains the only Middle Eastern country currently operating the aircraft, having built multiple squadrons over the past decade.

Saudi Arabia, Washington’s largest arms buyer, has sought to add the F-35 to its air fleet as part of its broader modernization push and to bolster defenses against regional threats, especially from Iran. Its current air force includes Boeing F-15s and European-made Tornado and Typhoon jets.

Read more: Woman secures family property share in Landmark SC Ruling upholding Quranic Law

The Trump administration has been open to expanding defense cooperation with Riyadh, following a $142 billion arms package signed earlier this year, the largest defense agreement in U.S. history, according to the White House.

However, any F-35 sale could face scrutiny in Congress, where lawmakers have previously opposed major arms deals with Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The proposal also aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to modernize Saudi Arabia’s economy and military while strengthening long-term security ties with the United States.