WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump on Monday announced the sale of F-35 advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on the eve of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, praising Saudi Arabia’s long-standing partnership with the United States.
Asked if he intended to sell jets to Saudi Arabia, Trump said: “I would say we would.” “We’re selling the F-35.”
The crown prince, who is scheduled to visit the White House on Tuesday, was expected to arrive with a wish list that includes receiving formal commitments from President Trump defining the scope of U.S. military protection for Saudi Arabia and an agreement to buy the U.S.-made F-35 fighter jet, one of the world’s most advanced aircraft.
But the Republican administration is wary of undermining Israel’s “qualitative military advantage” over its neighbors, especially now that President Trump is relying on Israeli support for the success of his Gaza peace plan.
Another long-standing concern, which also derailed a potential similar sale to the United Arab Emirates, is that F-35 technology could be stolen or somehow transferred to China, which has close ties to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
