The sale of nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia has been approved by the Donald Trump administration. This action indicates a shift in U.S. policy that is accompanied by concerns from some members of Congress.
Details of the sale and security concerns
Saudi Arabia has been striving for years to acquire the world's most advanced fighter jets, which feature stealth technology and can evade enemy detection. Washington had previously resisted this request due to supplying these jets to Israel, which under U.S. laws has the right to receive the most advanced weaponry.
The U.S. Congress has 30 days to address this $24 billion sale to Riyadh or attempt to block it. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, a Democrat, opposed the sale on Thursday, warning that this action could place "America's military jewels" in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.
Consequences and effects on military balance
Other Democratic representatives and U.S. defense officials have also expressed similar concerns about the transfer of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. They believe that Riyadh may share sensitive technology under a security collaboration with China.
The U.S. State Department emphasized in announcing this deal that it would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and assist the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.
This proposed sale includes 48 F-35 fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, placing Saudi Arabia on a similar level to Israel. However, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced in May that it intends to purchase another squadron of F-35s, which would bring the total number of Israel's F-35 fleet to 100 aircraft.
Congress had previously raised questions about arms deals with Riyadh following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The Biden administration had also examined the possibility of supplying F-35s to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh normalized relations with Israel, but this diplomatic effort failed.
