• President Trump signals serious consideration of F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, marking potential shift in U.S. policy
  • The multi-billion dollar deal is tied to broader negotiations including Saudi entry into Abraham Accords and security guarantees
  • Approval would significantly boost Lockheed Martin's international sales while raising concerns about regional military balance

President Donald Trump is seriously considering approving the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to a senior White House official, in what would represent a major shift in U.S. defense export policy and Middle East strategy.

The potential deal, which Riyadh has formally requested, is part of broader negotiations that include Saudi Arabia's possible entry into the Abraham Accords, a liquefied natural gas agreement, nuclear cooperation, and advanced defense technology partnerships. The F-35 sale is seen as the centerpiece of deepening defense ties between the two nations.

"The President has made clear he wants to strengthen our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are ongoing. "The F-35 represents the kind of advanced capability that demonstrates our commitment to regional security."

The move has sparked intense debate among U.S. lawmakers and regional allies. Israeli officials and security experts have expressed concern that the sale could undermine Israel's qualitative military edge, though some argue that expanded normalization through the Abraham Accords reduces the risk of conflict.

For Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense contractor with annual revenues exceeding $60 billion, the Saudi deal would represent a significant expansion of its F-35 customer base beyond the current roster of allies including Israel, the UAE, and NATO members. The company has delivered over 900 F-35s worldwide, with the program remaining a major revenue driver amid rising global demand for fifth-generation fighters.

U.S. and Saudi officials are discussing broader security guarantees as part of the negotiations, with the F-35 sale serving as a key bargaining chip. The discussions come as the UN Security Council reviews a proposal based on Trump's peace framework that would establish an international stabilization force in Gaza and include provisions for normalization.

However, the sale faces significant regulatory hurdles, requiring congressional approval and compliance with the Arms Export Control Act. The Biden administration previously paused consideration of F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns and regional stability worries following Saudi actions in Yemen.

Multiple attempts to reach Lockheed Martin representatives for comment were not immediately returned. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing arms transfer deliberations.

The potential sale has drawn criticism from human rights groups and some members of Congress who warn of the risks of providing advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia given its human rights record. Supporters counter that the deal would strengthen U.S. alliances and create thousands of aerospace jobs while helping counter Iranian influence in the region.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of F-35s delivered worldwide. The correct figure is over 900 aircraft.