US approves $24B sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

Donald Trump: Donald Trump is the current President of the United States, overseeing an administration that approved the F-35 sale as part of broader Middle East policy. He has cultivated close ties with Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, through multiple high-level meetings. These relationships inform the shift in US arms policy toward Riyadh. Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a major Gulf nation and long-standing US security partner seeking to modernize its air force with advanced stealth technology. It has pursued the F-35 for years to strengthen its defense capabilities. The proposed sale would align its fleet level with that of Israel. US Government: The executive branch of the United States, led by President Donald Trump's administration, manages foreign policy, national security, and arms export decisions. In this case, it has approved a major sale of advanced fighter jets to a key regional partner. The State Department has positioned the deal as advancing US objectives in the Gulf. Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin is a leading US aerospace and defense company that designs and builds the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet. It serves as the primary contractor for the aircraft in the proposed Saudi sale. The firm supports US arms export initiatives through its production role. Sareen Habeshian: Sareen Habeshian is a journalist who provided additional reporting on the proposed US arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Her contributions support detailed coverage of defense and foreign policy developments. She works within established news outlets tracking international security issues. Raja Krishnamoorthi: Raja Krishnamoorthi is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from Illinois focused on oversight of national security matters. He has publicly opposed the F-35 sale, citing risks of advanced US technology reaching adversaries through third-party partnerships. His stance contributes to congressional scrutiny of the deal. US Foreign Policy: The State Department has described the proposed sale as supporting American foreign policy and national security objectives while strengthening a key Gulf ally. Congressional Oversight: Congress plays a formal role in reviewing major arms sales proposals for alignment with US interests and regional stability. Technology Transfer Risks: Lawmakers and defense officials have raised concerns that sensitive F-35 technology could be shared with China through Saudi security partnerships.