[Regnum] Saudi Arabia and Israel intend to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the United States, with Lockheed Martin to supply them. This was announced by US President Donald Trump on November 18.
"Israel and Saudi Arabia should get the best F-35s," Trump said at a White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
In turn, the Crown Prince confirmed the country's readiness to increase investment in the US economy to $1 trillion. The American leader noted that the US and Saudi Arabia "have essentially reached an agreement on a defense pact." Furthermore, Trump expressed openness to possible negotiations with Iran, adding that Tehran wants to strike a deal with Washington.
The meeting took place in the context of a major deal to sell 48 F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This is the second meeting between the American president and the crown prince in 2025. In May, Trump made his first foreign visit of his second term to Riyadh.
In late September, Trump stated that Turkey could "easily" obtain US approval to purchase F-35 fighter jets if it met certain conditions set by Washington. He added that Ankara was ready to "take certain steps" in US interests.