Trump Greenlights F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Ahead of High-Stakes Washington Visit

President 👤Donald Trump confirmed Monday that the United States will move forward with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, brushing aside internal concerns that the advanced aircraft technology could make its way into Chinese hands.

“I will say that we will be doing that,” President Trump said when asked about the sale. “We’ll be selling F-35s.”

According to The Associated Press, the announcement comes just one day before Saudi Crown Prince 🏛️Mohammed bin Salman arrives in Washington for his first U.S. visit in more than seven years — a trip expected to produce several major agreements between the two countries.

According to a senior administration official, Saudi Arabia is planning to unveil a multibillion-dollar investment in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure, as well as new cooperation with Washington in the civil nuclear energy sector. The official was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of formal announcements.

The F-35 deal has been high on the crown prince’s agenda. Riyadh has also sought formal U.S. commitments outlining the extent of American military protection for the kingdom.

The Trump administration, however, has long navigated competing pressures: maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge while weighing concerns that China could gain access to sensitive F-35 technology. Those worries previously derailed a similar deal with the United Arab Emirates, and officials say they persist with Saudi Arabia.