Reuters: US weighs multi-billion dollar F-35 deal with Riyadh

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he intends to authorize the sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported.

"I will say that we will be doing that. We'll be selling the F-35s," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office, speaking one day before hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington.

According to the agency, such a deal would represent a major shift in long-standing U.S. policy and could influence the military balance in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s doctrine of maintaining a “qualitative military superiority.”

Saudi Arabia is seeking to purchase as many as 48 F-35 aircraft, a deal worth several billion dollars. The kingdom, already the largest buyer of U.S. weapons, has pursued access to the F-35 for years as part of efforts to upgrade its air force and address regional security threats, especially those posed by Iran.

Earlier this year, Riyadh submitted a direct request to Trump for the purchase of the jets.

Reuters, citing U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported that the Pentagon’s policy office has been working on the possible agreement for several months.

Washington typically evaluates Middle East arms sales in a manner that preserves Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” ensuring that Israel receives more advanced U.S. defense technology than neighboring Arab states.

However, Reuters notes that the sale could face resistance in the U.S. Congress. Some lawmakers oppose strengthening military ties with Riyadh, particularly in light of the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

By Tamilla Hasanova