A senior US official said President Trump is leaning strongly toward approving the sale of F-35 stealth aircraft to Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the president’s earlier public comments. The timing coincides with the Crown Prince’s upcoming visit, during which major defense and economic agreements are expected to be signed.
A Pentagon intelligence report recently warned that China could gain access to classified F-35 technology if the sale goes forward, citing Saudi Arabia’s growing economic cooperation with Beijing. Despite this, the administration appears determined to advance the deal, viewing Saudi Arabia as a critical partner in the Middle East.
The decision could reshape regional military balances and potentially complicate Israel’s qualitative military edge, long protected under US policy. Discussions are ongoing, and the final agreement may include strict oversight mechanisms.
