The United States has confirmed its intention to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, as announced by President Donald Trump. This decision marks a significant arms deal ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington. Trump emphasized Saudi Arabia’s status as a key ally, stating, ‘They want to buy. They have been a great ally.’ The deal, potentially involving up to 48 F-35s, follows a $142 billion defense agreement signed during Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May 2023. However, the sale faces opposition from two major groups: Israel and certain US defense and intelligence officials. Israel has historically opposed such sales, fearing a compromise of its military edge, while US officials worry about the potential for China to access sensitive technology. Despite these concerns, experts suggest that the US can mitigate risks by limiting the technology included in the sale. Saudi Arabia, undergoing economic diversification, remains a lucrative market for US defense exports, even as it scales back ambitious projects like the Neom mega-city. The kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund has also reduced its stakes in several US companies, signaling a strategic shift in its investment priorities.