Saudi Arabia to get F-35 fighters as Trump approves sale, the first Middle East nation after Israel to own the stealth jets

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to sell the world’s most advanced aircraft, F-35 fighter jets, to Saudi Arabia, a move that comes despite internal concerns from national security officials about the risks of exposing the aircraft’s sensitive technology to Chinese espionage. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, November 17, Trump confirmed the administration’s intention to move forward with the sale. “We will be doing that; we’ll be selling F-35s,” he said, calling Saudi Arabia a key strategic partner. “They want to buy them; they’ve been a great ally.”


The announcement arrives just ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House, the first in more than seven years. The de facto Saudi ruler is expected to discuss a potential purchase of 48 F-35s along with progress on a possible mutual defense agreement with the United States.


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Saudi Arabia to become the first Arab country to possess F-35

Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern nation operating the F-35. If finalized, the Saudi deal would mark a historic shift in regional military capabilities.

Saudi Arabia has sought access to the F-35 program since 2017, the same year the United Arab Emirates also expressed interest in acquiring the fifth-generation fighter. Although the UAE signed an agreement for the jets during the final days of Trump’s previous term, the Biden administration later froze the deal over concerns about Chinese technology embedded in the UAE’s communication networks.

The proposed Saudi acquisition, if approved, would represent the first time an Arab nation fields the aircraft.

Operation Midnight Hammer: F-35s strike Iran

During this year’s Israel–Iran war, the United States executed a high-risk mission targeting Iranian nuclear facilities situated deep inside the country on June 22. Trump later revealed that, along with over half a dozen B-2 Spirit bombers, F-35 and F-22 stealth fighter jets also participated in the operation, supporting the strikes carried out that weekend.

What makes F-35 world’s most advance fighter jet

The F-35 officially debuted in 2015; the plane is one of the most advanced fighter jets on the planet. The F-35 can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,200 mph), and it also has stealth capabilities and advanced radar and targeting systems. With that, the F-35 can fulfill a wide range of battlefield and defense roles, including combat, reconnaissance, and surveillance.

Built primarily by Lockheed Martin, this sophisticated flying beast has an annual production ranging from 150 to 190 units. Roughly 20 countries currently operate or have placed orders for the jet.

Cost of F-35

Depending on the model, each F-35 costs between $80 million and $110 million, according to recent US defense contracts. Its advanced stealth capabilities, integrated sensors, and battlefield networking systems have made it a critical asset for US allies seeking next-generation airpower.