The United States, under the Trump administration, has given formal approval for the export of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The decision follows a request from Riyadh and aligns with existing defense cooperation agreements between the two nations.
The approval was issued by the U.S. State Department as part of the standard foreign military sales (FMS) process. While the exact number of aircraft and the total contract value were not disclosed in the announcement, the move is expected to enhance Saudi Arabia's aerial capabilities and deepen its reliance on American defense technology.
The sale comes amid ongoing regional security concerns, with Saudi Arabia seeking to modernize its air fleet in response to perceived threats in the Middle East. U.S. officials have indicated that the transaction complies with existing export controls and that the aircraft will be delivered under the terms of the FMS program, which includes training, maintenance support, and logistical assistance.
Washington has previously supplied Saudi Arabia with a range of military equipment, and the inclusion of the fifth‑generation F-35 represents a further step in that partnership. The decision has been noted by analysts as reflecting the Trump administration's broader strategy of maintaining strong defense ties with Gulf allies.
No immediate reaction from Saudi officials or regional actors was reported at the time of the announcement. The sale will now proceed through the customary congressional oversight mechanisms before any aircraft are delivered to the Saudi armed forces.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/17/trump-administration-approves-sale-of-f-35-jets-to-saudi-arabia?traffic_source=rss.