The United States and Saudi Arabia have engaged in talks regarding the kingdom’s potential acquisition of Lockheed’s F-35 fighter jets, sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. The F-35, an advanced military aircraft with stealth technology, has long been a coveted asset for the Gulf nation.
However, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will approve the sale, particularly due to concerns about maintaining Israel’s “Qualitative Military Edge” (QME). This term refers to U.S. assurances that Israel receives more advanced military technology than its Arab neighbors, a point raised during the discussions.
Israel has operated F-35s for nine years, with multiple squadrons in service, while Saudi Arabia’s acquisition would make it only the second country in the Middle East—after Israel—to possess the jets.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. is considering the sale as part of a broader arms package, valued at over $100 billion, which is expected to be offered to Saudi Arabia during U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing visit to Riyadh.