The United States government has approved the sale of approximately 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia worth about $24.3 billion. This action still requires congressional approval and aims to strengthen the security of one of the most important non-NATO allies of the United States in the Gulf region.
Security Dimensions of the Deal
The U.S. Department of State has stated that this sale will help achieve U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. However, the Donald Trump administration has emphasized that this deal will not change the "military balance" in the Middle East. This point refers to the long-standing U.S. policy that ensures Israel maintains military superiority in the region.
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In response to this action, Saudi Arabia has pointed to the "strength and enduring nature" of its relations with the United States and existing defense partnerships. The Saudi Embassy in Washington stated: "The security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States has contributed to regional stability and enhanced our collective defense capabilities over several decades and has advanced our shared security interests."
Regional Challenges and Israel's Reaction
Saudi Arabia has been seeking to purchase F-35s, the most advanced fighter jets from the United States. However, Israel, the only country in the region that possesses these jets, has protested the sale of these jets to Saudi Arabia, although the two countries are working to establish relations. So far, Israel has not responded to the U.S. Department of State's announcement.
This news comes as 10 months have passed since Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, visited Washington. During this visit, Trump initially announced that the United States would allow the sale of these jets and emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key non-NATO ally.
Saudi Arabia is currently engaged in conflicts with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have carried out several attacks on the country in recent weeks. This group has also seized all western coasts of Yemen and gained unprecedented access to the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Reports indicate that the Houthis have been in contact with U.S. officials to ensure that their recent advances do not lead to attacks on American ships.
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