On November 17, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will proceed with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, coinciding with a visit from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, his first in over seven years. The proposed sale includes 48 F-35 jets, which Saudi Arabia has sought for years as part of its military modernization efforts, particularly in response to perceived threats from Iran.

This multibillion-dollar deal has cleared significant hurdles within the Pentagon and reflects a growing trend of defense cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The F-35 is recognized as the world's most advanced fighter jet, noted for its stealth capabilities, and has been in operation by Israel for nearly a decade. This raises concerns about maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the region, a priority for U.S. policymakers.

The announcement has sparked apprehension within the U.S. administration regarding the potential for China to gain access to sensitive military technology associated with the F-35, especially given Saudi Arabia's increasing ties with China, which include joint naval exercises and diplomatic engagements with Iran. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to seek formal assurances from the U.S. regarding military protection and the specifics of the F-35 deal.

Critics, including human rights activists, are likely to scrutinize the implications of this arms deal, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record, which includes the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This incident has significantly impacted U.S.-Saudi relations and continues to raise ethical questions about military collaboration with the kingdom. Congressional oversight may complicate the sale, as lawmakers have previously expressed concerns regarding arms transactions with Saudi Arabia, reflecting ongoing debates about the implications of such sales on regional stability and human rights.