From BBC News · · 1m 30s
Trump approves F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia
The US is selling nearly 50 advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a major policy shift that has alarmed Congress and defence officials.
In brief
The US is selling nearly 50 advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a major policy shift that has alarmed Congress and defence officials. The F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia breaks with decades of US policy protecting Israel's military edge in the region, raising concerns about technology sharing with China…
Trump approves historic F-35 sale
The Trump administration has approved selling nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24 billion, the largest arms deal with the kingdom in years.
Why the US resisted for years
Washington had blocked Saudi purchases of F-35s to protect Israel's military advantage in the region, as US law guarantees Israel access to top-tier American weapons.
Congress fears China connection
Democratic lawmakers warn Saudi Arabia could share F-35 technology with China under their security partnership, potentially exposing America's most advanced military secrets.
“it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party”
Israel's fleet will still lead
The sale would give Saudi Arabia 48 F-35s, matching Israel's current fleet of 50, but Israel is already procuring another squadron to double its fleet to 100 jets.
Trump's Saudi ties run deep
Trump has a close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and previously sealed a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia in May 2025.
Congress has 30 days to block
Lawmakers have a month to scrutinise the sale, though previous concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the Khashoggi murder have not stopped arms deals.
The takeaway
The F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia breaks with decades of US policy protecting Israel's military edge in the region, raising concerns about technology sharing with China.
