Saudi Arabia’s Request to Buy F-35 Fighter Jets Clears Key Pentagon Hurdle

Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia’s request to acquire up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle, marking a potential shift in U.S. defence policy and regional power balance in the Middle East.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a major development that could reshape the regional balance of power, Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle, according to a report by Reuters.

The proposed sale, which could be worth several billion dollars, represents one of the largest potential U.S. arms deals in the Middle East and underscores Washington’s renewed openness to deepening defence ties with Riyadh under the Trump administration.

According to Reuters https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudi-arabias-request-buy-f-35-jets-clears-key-pentagon-hurdle-sources-say-2025-11-04/, the Pentagon’s policy department has been reviewing the Saudi request for months and recently advanced the proposal to the secretary level within the U.S. Department of Defense. While no final decision has been made, several more approvals including cabinet-level reviews and congressional notification are still required before the sale can be completed.

The deal would mark a significant policy shift, given that Washington traditionally limits the export of advanced systems such as the F-35 Lightning II to ensure Israel’s “qualitative military edge.” Israel remains the only Middle Eastern nation currently operating the fifth generation stealth fighter, having integrated multiple squadrons over nearly a decade of service.

Saudi Arabia, one of the largest customers for U.S. defence equipment, has long expressed interest in acquiring the F-35. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently operates a mix of F-15s, Tornadoes, and Typhoons, but the introduction of the F-35 would dramatically enhance its air combat and stealth capabilities.

The F-35, produced by Lockheed Martin, is widely regarded as the most advanced fighter jet in the world equipped with radar-evading stealth, advanced sensors, and precision strike capabilities.

While U.S. officials remain cautious, the proposal has gained traction amid Washington’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with Riyadh. The Trump administration recently announced a record $142 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia, describing it as “the largest defence cooperation agreement in U.S. history.”

However, congressional scrutiny could complicate the sale. Lawmakers have previously raised concerns about arms exports to Riyadh, particularly following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Several members of Congress continue to question the wisdom of supplying advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing human rights concerns.

The renewed discussions come as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda pushes for rapid military and economic modernization. Riyadh aims to diversify its defence partnerships while maintaining its strategic alliance with Washington a relationship that remains central to Gulf security.

Analysts say that if approved, the sale of 48 F-35 jets would significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s deterrence capability, especially amid rising regional tensions with Iran. It would also cement Riyadh’s role as a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the Gulf.

Neither the Pentagon, the White House, nor the State Department have issued official comments on the ongoing review. Lockheed Martin emphasized that military sales are conducted strictly through government-to-government channels, directing inquiries back to Washington.

As the proposal moves through the U.S. defence approval pipeline, both supporters and critics will be watching closely. The potential sale not only tests America’s arms export policy but could also redefine the military balance across the Middle East.