In a significant geopolitical development, President Donald Trump has confirmed the United States will proceed with selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This decision comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embarks on a crucial visit to Washington, his first in over seven years. The move, however, faces internal administration concerns regarding potential Chinese access to sensitive US defense technology and the impact on Israel’s security interests.
During his visit, the Saudi Crown Prince is expected to seek firm US security guarantees and the acquisition of the sophisticated F-35 aircraft. The US administration is carefully balancing these demands with its commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge, a factor essential for President Trump’s Middle East peace initiatives. Previous concerns over technology compromise, which affected potential sales to the UAE, resurface with this deal, particularly given increasing Saudi-China cooperation.
Despite China’s growing economic ties with Riyadh, the US remains the kingdom’s primary defense supplier. Congressional scrutiny is anticipated, with demands for assurances on Saudi engagements with Beijing and measures to preserve Israel’s military superiority. This F-35 sale is also viewed through the lens of expanding the Abraham Accords, a key foreign policy objective for the Trump administration. However, Saudi Arabia has linked its participation to a clear roadmap for a Palestinian state, a condition currently opposed by Israel. While a recent UN Security Council resolution offers a new dynamic, a breakthrough remains uncertain, though guarded optimism persists for an agreement within Trump’s potential second term.