Bloomberg reports that Trump is expected to approve a deal allowing Saudi Arabia to buy F-35 jets during MBS’s visit.
US President Donald Trump is expected to reach an agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) that would allow the kingdom to purchase advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets, according to a senior administration official quoted by Bloomberg on Friday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump and MBS plan to sign a series of economic and defense agreements during a scheduled visit to the White House on Tuesday. Among the deals is a purchase agreement for liquefied natural gas, though further details were not disclosed.
The sale of F-35s - manufactured by Lockheed Martin and valued at approximately $100 million per jet - would mark a significant concession to Riyadh as Washington seeks to deepen ties and encourage Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia has long sought access to the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, which are currently deployed only by Israel in the Middle East. Israeli officials have voiced concern over maintaining their exclusive access to the jets, citing the strategic advantage they provide. (Read More)
