Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Sultan is set to visit Washington for pivotal discussions with US President Donald Trump, with a key focus on Saudi Arabia’s request for 48 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets. This high-stakes deal, potentially worth billions, has ignited debates over regional power dynamics, technological security, and US-Israel relations. The Saudis, inspired by Israel’s effective use of F-35s in conflicts across Syria, Yemen, and Iran, seek to bolster their military arsenal. However, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has raised alarms, warning that the sale could lead to the leakage of critical F-35 technology to China, a concern exacerbated by Saudi Arabia’s existing defense ties with Beijing. The DIA’s classified report, leaked to the press, has stirred controversy within the Pentagon, particularly as it challenges Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s stance on the deal. Meanwhile, Israel, the sole F-35 operator in the Middle East, views the potential sale as a threat to its Qualitative Military Edge (QME), a legal mandate ensuring its military superiority in the region. To address Israel’s concerns, the US may offer priority access to its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, featuring the F-47 fighter jet. Additionally, Trump may push Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, a framework for Middle East peace. The deal’s fate remains uncertain, with Congress demanding detailed briefings from the DIA and growing opposition on Capitol Hill. Should the sale collapse, Saudi Arabia could turn to China or Russia for stealth jets, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.