Trump Eyes Major Saudi F-35 Fighter Jet Deal, Boosting U.S. Defense Ties

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is considering moving forward with a major defense deal that would supply Saudi Arabia with advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets. The remarks, made aboard Air Force One, highlight a potential shift in U.S. military cooperation with Riyadh—one that could significantly impact regional power dynamics in the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters, Trump revealed that Saudi Arabia had expressed strong interest in acquiring a large fleet of the fifth-generation aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
"They wanna buy a lot of jets," Trump said. "I'm looking at that. They've asked me to look at it. They want to buy a lot of '35'—actually more than that, fighter jets."

The F-35, one of the most technologically advanced combat aircraft in the world, is prized for its stealth capabilities, integrated sensors, and battlefield dominance. Any sale of these jets requires strict U.S. approval due to security sensitivities and their strategic impact.

A Deal With Global Implications

If approved, the deal could alter the military balance in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has long sought to modernize its air force, and access to F-35 technology would represent a major upgrade over its current fleet.

However, such a sale could raise diplomatic concerns. Previous U.S. administrations have hesitated to provide F-35 jets to regional actors beyond Israel, which maintains a guaranteed military edge in the region. Any shift could prompt reactions from both allies and rivals.

A Boost for U.S. Defense Industry

For Lockheed Martin, the potential sale could become one of its most lucrative international deals. Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s largest defense buyers, and increasing its investments in U.S. military technology further strengthens economic and strategic ties between the two nations.

Growing U.S.–Saudi Cooperation

The possible F-35 deal comes at a time when Washington and Riyadh continue to deepen defense cooperation amid shifting geopolitical tensions, including concerns over Iran’s regional activity and broader security challenges.

While no final decision has been made, Trump’s comments indicate that discussions are active and could progress quickly depending on regional developments and U.S. strategic calculations.

As talks advance, the proposed F-35 sale is likely to remain a closely watched issue—one capable of shaping alliances, military power, and diplomatic relations across the Middle East.