Fifth generation F-35 fighter jet of the US Air Force on February 12, 2025. PHOTO: Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP / Profimedia
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is considering approving an agreement by which the United States would supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, reports Reuters, according to News.ro.
“They want to buy a lot of planes,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
“I'm thinking about it. They've asked me to look into it. They want to buy a lot of F-35s — actually several types of fighter jets,” the White House leader continued.
The potential sale comes as Trump prepares to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House next week, where economic and defense deals are expected.
Asked about the talks, Trump said it was “more than a meeting, it's a ceremony of honor” for Saudi Arabia.
The American president repeated that he hopes that the kingdom will soon join the Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and several Muslim states. Riyadh has so far refused, demanding first a clear plan for Palestinian statehood.
Meanwhile, a Pentagon intelligence report raises questions about the potential deal, warning that advanced F-35 technology could end up in China if the deal goes through, according to the New York Times, which cited sources familiar with the assessment.
