Donald Trump announced, in an effort to alter Middle East security dynamics, that he plans to approve Saudi Arabia’s purchase of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets at Washington on the eve of their crown prince’s visit. (Reuters | AP News).
Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), has made this deal as he prepares his first White House visit since international outrage over Jamal Khashoggi’s killing in 2018. The Guardian. +1
Why This Matters
By offering F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. is effectively moving toward offering their most advanced fighter aircraft — previously reserved only for select allies — directly to a Gulf state. Saudi Arabia reportedly wants as many as 48 F-35s; an investment which would significantly strengthen their air-force capacity.
This sale marks more than just another weapons transaction: it represents an expansion in U.S.-Saudi relations and a shift in Washington’s regional policy calculus. Riyadh has made significant inroads onto the global stage recently and Washington appears eager to secure its presence there with security and technology framework. With Dawn @ +5 it may become even clearer: this arms deal demonstrates this connection.
Strategic Implications
Regional Power Balance: The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets. Transferring it to Saudi Arabia raises questions over how the U.S. plans to safeguard Israel’s “qualitative military edge” over regional enemies; an element long upheld in U.S. policy. Axios provides more insight.
China and Technology Risks: Some U.S. officials have voiced their worries that advanced Chinese technologies may become available through Saudi Arabia as its relationship deepens with Beijing.
According to reports, Israel is pushing Washington to condition any F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia on the kingdom making progress with Israel regarding the Abraham Accords. [NEW YORK POST]
Alongside its arms purchase, Saudi Arabia is expected to make significant investments in U.S. technologies (such as AI) and nuclear civil-nuclear cooperation agreements as part of an expansive economic and security package that also includes F-35 sale. AP News. +1 on Challenges & Outlook
Although Trump has signaled his intent, several hurdles still stand between the deal becoming official and Trump approving it:

Congress Review: U.S. arms sales of this magnitude require congressional review and may face opposition, particularly from lawmakers concerned about human-rights issues and Israel’s security. (Source Axios+1 for more details.)
Technology Guarantees: Protecting the sensitive F-35 technology against adversary attacks will be of primary concern.

Operational Timeline: Even if approved, delivery, training and integration of these jets into Saudi air force would take years.

Critics worry that welcoming Saudi Crown Prince with such an elaborate diplomatic gesture could deflect from unresolved issues related to Khashoggi’s killing and wider human-rights concerns.
The Guardian
Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will sell F-35 stealth jets to Saudi Arabia marks a remarkable shift in foreign military sales policy and Middle East security architecture. By possibly making Saudi Arabia one of the first Arab states (other than Israel) to receive F-35s, Washington is cementing relations with Riyadh at an important juncture in time.