Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a major arms deal that would see the sale of dozens of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, igniting significant geopolitical discussion involving key allies and regional actors.
Trump's Possible F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Highlights Strategic and Political Dynamics
As reported by The Telegraph on November 5, 2025, DonaldTrump is contemplating selling a significant number of F-35 stealth fighter
jets to Saudi Arabia. This proposal signifies a potentially pivotal shift in USarms sales policy and raises questions about the impact on relations,
particularly between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the broader Middle East region.
Strategic Significance of the F-35 Deal
The F-35 is one of the most advanced multirole stealth
fighters in the world, giving Saudi Arabia a considerable upgrade in military
capability. As detailed by journalist of The Telegraph, the deal would
likely involve dozens of jets, significantly boosting Saudi defence capacities.
This raises concerns and recalibrations in regional military balances,
especially regarding Israel's security perceptions, as Israel has traditionally
held qualitative military edge assurances in the region.
US and Regional Responses
Multiple sources, including unnamed officials quoted by The
Telegraph, underline that the potential sale comes amid complex US foreign
policy calculations. Saudi Arabia views the acquisition as essential for its
national defence strategy and regional influence, especially amid tensions with
Iran and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. However, this first-time
consideration of such a sale to Riyadh challenges long-standing US commitments
to Israeli security, sparking reactions from both the Israeli government and US
lawmakers.
Political Context and Trump’s Influence
This development follows a period when Trump has remained
influential in US politics, indicating his ongoing role in shaping foreign
policy discussions despite no longer holding office. The sale is part of
Trump’s broader vision to strengthen US-Saudi ties, potentially aligning with
his previous administration’s policies of expanding arms sales and bolstering
US economic and strategic interests abroad.
Israeli Government and Congressional Perspectives
Israeli officials have, according to reporting by The
Telegraph, expressed reservations about the sale, pointing to risks of advanced
technology transfer and a shift in regional power dynamics. Similarly, some
members of the US Congress may raise concerns over the implications for
strategic stability and the need for consultations with allied nations before
committing to such a significant arms transfer.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The potential sale reflects the evolving nature of Middle East geopolitics, where alliances and adversarial relations fluctuate frequently. Analysts quoted in The Telegraph note that the deal could provoke shifts in regional balance, influencing Saudi Arabia’s posture vis-à-vis rivals such as Iran and potentially affecting peace negotiations and regional security frameworks supported by the US.