F-35 Stealth Jets Headed to Saudi Arabia as Trump Pushes for Peace

President Donald Trump just made a colossal announcement: the US will sell its most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, to Saudi Arabia. This isn’t just a military deal; it’s a high-stakes move that redefines Middle East power dynamics, challenges Israel’s military dominance, and is tied directly to Washington’s push for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords.

The confirmation came as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) arrived for his first White House visit in seven years. This meeting clearly signals that for the current US administration, defense strategy and regional stability trump lingering concerns over the Kingdom’s human rights record.The F-35 and the Price of Advanced Stealth

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a game-changer. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, this jet is the pinnacle of stealth technology. Each one costs around $82.5 million. Giving this capability to a non-founding partner is a major technological and geopolitical decision.

• A “Great Ally” Argument: President Trump defended the sale by calling Saudi Arabia a “great ally.” The sale is a cornerstone of a huge defense and investment package, one the White House previously touted as the “largest defense sales agreement in history.” It solidifies Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest buyer of American arms.
• The Technology Risk: However, the decision isn’t without serious risk. Some US defense officials are worried. They fear that selling the F-35 could allow Riyadh to grant partnersmost notably China access to sensitive stealth and sensor technology. This potential intelligence leak has been a major point of friction.

Why Israel is Looking Over Its Shoulder

For decades, US policy has carefully guarded Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME). This policy ensures Israel maintains technological superiority over its regional rivals.

Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East that operates the F-35. Consequently, Israeli officials have voiced deep concern, arguing that the Saudi deal could jeopardize their long-term military advantage. The sale represents a fundamental shift in the regional military balance, and it forces Israel to re-evaluate its security posture.

The Diplomatic Deal: F-35s as Leverage

The timing of MBS’s visit is no coincidence. President Trump is using the advanced jet sale as powerful leverage to achieve a massive diplomatic goal: getting Saudi Arabia to sign the Abraham Accords.

• Push for Normalization: The Accords aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states. Including Saudi Arabia the custodian of Islam’s two holiest sites would be the most significant breakthrough yet.
• The Palestinian Roadblock: In addition, the Saudis have been clear: normalization is conditional. They demand a credible path toward the establishment of a Palestinian state. Since the current Israeli government is strongly opposed to this, the F-35 deal acts as a vital incentive, keeping the complex peace talks alive.

This meeting is more than just an arms bazaar; it’s a calculation of trade-offs, where military power is exchanged for diplomatic alignment in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.