The F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia: A shift in regional military power

Friday 21 November 2025 - 08:50

The United States has announced plans to sell its advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in regional military dynamics. The decision was revealed by former US President Donald Trump ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, D.C., signaling a deepening of military cooperation between the two nations.

“They want to buy it; they’ve been a great ally,” Trump stated during a press briefing in the Oval Office, confirming the Kingdom’s interest in acquiring the cutting-edge aircraft. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed support for the sale in a Fox News interview, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance as a “valuable ally” in the region. However, the deal remains subject to approval by the US Congress, and specific details are yet to be disclosed.

The F-35: A technological marvel

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. Designed to evade enemy radar detection with its stealth capabilities and equipped with cutting-edge sensor fusion technology, the F-35 serves as both a combat aircraft and an airborne information hub. It provides pilots with real-time battlefield intelligence by merging data from its internal systems and sensors.

The F-35 also boasts impressive performance metrics, including speeds up to 1.6 Mach (1,200 mph) and a combat radius ranging from 450 to 600 nautical miles, depending on the variant. Operated by US forces since 2015, the aircraft is available in three models: the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C, each tailored for different battlefield requirements.

Despite its unparalleled capabilities, the F-35 remains one of the most expensive military aircraft in service, with costs ranging between $80 million and $110 million per unit.

A new chapter in Middle Eastern defense

If approved, the sale would break Israel's exclusive access to the F-35 in the Middle East. Currently, Israel is the only regional operator of this advanced aircraft, which has bolstered its military dominance. Delivering the F-35 to Saudi Arabia would not only enhance the Kingdom’s already robust defense capabilities but also signify a pivotal moment in US arms sales to the region.

Lockheed Martin has a longstanding history of supplying defense equipment to Middle Eastern allies, including Saudi Arabia, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a key US partner. Beyond its strategic implications, the sale underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties and the shared interests of both nations in maintaining regional stability.

While many details remain to be finalized, the potential deal has already sparked discussions about its impact on the balance of power in the region.