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On November 17, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will approve the sale of F 35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to reporters at the White House ahead of the kingdom’s crown prince’s visit, Trump said:
“I will say that… we’ll be selling F-35s.”
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will proceed with selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia - a significant shift in U.S. defense policy and the central development of the day. Trump confirmed the move ahead of a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking the first time Washington has agreed to supply Riyadh with America’s most advanced combat aircraft.
The approval is a breakthrough for Saudi Arabia, which has sought the jets for years but faced U.S. hesitation over technology security and regional stability concerns. Trump’s decision signals a strengthened strategic alignment between Washington and Riyadh and elevates Saudi Arabia’s status as a defense partner.
While the sale itself is major news, it also signals growing momentum toward a broader U.S.–Saudi security pact. Providing the F-35 - a platform typically reserved for America’s closest allies - suggests Washington may be preparing to formalize deeper military cooperation, including potential mutual defense commitments, expanded intelligence-sharing, and joint operational planning.
