United States President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to approve the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, his key middle-east ally, coinciding with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first White House visit in over seven years. Ahead of Salman’s arrival, Saudi flags were displayed outside the White House. The visit will focus on enhancing economic and defense cooperation between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia to get F-35 fighter jets
When asked by reporters whether he would proceed with the sale of advanced warplanes, Trump replied: “We will be doing that.” The sale of F-35 fighter jets is one of several major deals expected to be announced during MBS’s visit. They are also expected to sign multiple economic and defence agreements, focusing on technology and business partnerships. The AP, quoting a senior Trump administration official, reported that the Saudi Crown Prince may also announce billions of dollars in investment in US artificial intelligence infrastructure during the visit.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince’s visit, scheduled for Tuesday, will feature elaborate ceremonial elements, including a welcome with military bands, cannon salutes and horses, followed by bilateral discussions in the Oval Office and a black-tie dinner. While the visit has not been designated as a formal state visit, the programme includes a major investment forum examining cooperation on green technology, digital infrastructure, biotechnology and defence.
Why is Israel concerned?
While all eyes are on the confirmation of F-35 fighter jets deal, the Republican administration has been wary of the F-35, considered one of the world’s most advanced aircraft. Israel is also cautious about the deal, fearing that Saudi Arabia’s acquisition of the F-35 could challenge its military advantage in the region, as Israel also operates the American F-35. Additionally, there is further concern within the Trump administration that providing F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia could give China access to the American technology behind this state-of-the-art fighter machine.
Meanwhile, last week, Trump stated that he hopes to discuss the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. “The Abraham Accords will be a part we’re going to be discussing,” Trump told reporters on Friday, adding, “I hope that Saudi Arabia will be joining the Abraham Accords fairly soon.”
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