The United States is reviewing a Saudi Arabian request to purchase up to 48 F-35 fighter jets.
Two US officials familiar with the matter told Reuters the potential multi-billion-dollar deal has cleared an early Pentagon review but still requires further approvals from the Cabinet and Congress. No final decision has been made, and congressional approval could be a major hurdle.
If approved, the sale would mark a significant shift in US policy toward the Middle East. Israel is currently the only country in the region operating the F-35, produced by Lockheed Martin, which is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to add the F-35 to its fleet as part of a broader effort to modernize its air force and counter regional threats. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently flies US-made Boeing F-15s alongside European Tornado and Typhoon jets.
US President Donald Trump, who has prioritized arms sales to the kingdom since returning to office, sees the proposal as a potential extension of the two countries’ deep defense ties.
In May, Washington approved a separate arms package for Riyadh worth nearly $142 billion, billed by the White House as the largest US defense cooperation agreement ever.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing US Defense Procurement
Saudi Arabia has been one of Washington’s most consistent defense customers over the past decade.
In 2017, it signed a $110 billion arms framework with the US, which included precision-guided munitions, missile defense systems, and aircraft maintenance support.
That deal was part of then-president Trump’s first overseas trip to Riyadh.
The country also received approval in 2022 to purchase Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors worth roughly $15 billion, expanding its layered missile defense network.
In May 2025, the US approved the potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $3.5 billion.
Each of these purchases fits into Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, which calls for a more self-reliant defense industry supported by continued partnerships with US and European suppliers.
