Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman-Trump mega deal leave Israel stunned as US to sell deadly fighter jets worth crores to Saudi, Pentagon to..

A major agreement for F-35 stealth fighter jets between Doland Trump and the Middle East’s powerful nation, Saudi Arabia, could be reached in the near future. The Trump administration is reported to be deliberating a request from Saudi Arabia to buy 48 F-35s.

Who is involved in this mega deal between Saudi Arabia and the US?

The Trump administration is considering Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase as many as 48 F-35 fighter jets, a multibillion-dollar deal that cleared a key Pentagon hurdle prior to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit, according to two persons familiar with the matter.

The sale would signify a significant change in policy, with the potential to alter the military balance in the Middle East while also challenging Washington’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s ‘qualitative military edge.

When is the deal expected to be finalized?

Although Israel also has F-35 stealth fighter jets in its fleet, Saudi Arabia’s acquisition would help narrow its capability gap with Israel. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia directly asked US President Doland Trump about the possibility of buying F-35 fighter jets, according to two sources familiar with the case who spoke to Reuters. The Pentagon is now considering a potential sale of 48 of the advanced aircraft, the US official and the person familiar with the talks confirmed to Reuters.

However, the size and status of the request had not previously been revealed. The U.S. official and a second U.S. official, who acknowledged the arms deal is moving forward, stated that no final decision has been made. There are still multiple steps that must be taken before it is finally approved, including securing cabinet-level clearance, the signature of Trump, and the proper notification to Congress.

According to an official who requested anonymity, the Pentagon’s policy office spent months studying the possible transaction, which has now moved to the secretary level within the Defense Department. The Pentagon, White House, and State Department did not respond to requests for comment immediately. A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin said military sales are government-to-government transactions and should be addressed by Washington.

The F-35, designed with stealth capabilities enabling it to escape enemy detection, is deemed the world’s most cutting-edge fighter plane. Israel has operated the F-35 for almost a decade, constructing several squadrons, and is the only country in the Middle East currently in possession of this weapons system.

Since taking office again, Trump has focused on arms sales to Saudi Arabia. In May, the United States agreed to sell the kingdom an arms package worth $142 billion, which the White House stated was “the largest defense cooperation agreement” Washington had ever undertaken.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

1. The F-35, designed with stealth capabilities enabling it to escape enemy detection, is deemed the world’s most cutting-edge fighter plane.
2. Israel has operated the F-35 for almost a decade.
3. This potential sale also comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is pursuing ambitious economic and military modernization plans under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda.
4. The Pentagon is now considering a potential sale of 48 of the advanced aircraft.

This potential sale also comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is pursuing ambitious economic and military modernization plans under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda. The kingdom has looked to diversify its defense partnerships in recent years while retaining its security relationship with Washington, which it has had for more than three decades.