US Approves F-35 and Tank Sales to Saudi Arabia Under New Defense Pact

The White House announced tonight that the United States has approved sales of F-35 fighters and 300 Abrams tanks to Saudi Arabia. The arms deals are part of a newly signed Strategic Defense Agreement between Washington and Riyadh.

The White House described the pact as a win for the America First agenda. The statement said the agreement makes it easier for US defense companies to operate in Saudi Arabia, secures new burden-sharing funds from the kingdom to offset US costs, and confirms that Saudi Arabia views America as its primary strategic partner.

As reported by industry sources, Saudi Arabia will purchase an unspecified number of F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin. The kingdom has sought this aircraft for years. Riyadh will also buy nearly 300 Abrams tanks, which the White House says will help Saudi Arabia build defense capabilities and protect hundreds of American jobs.

Additional weapon sales may be included in the agreement. A General Atomics executive told Breaking Defense today that his company is negotiating to sell up to 130 MQ-9B drones plus 200 Gambit loyal wingman drones to the Saudis.

The F-35 sale will draw scrutiny because the US has pledged to maintain Israel's Qualitative Military Edge in the region. This policy ensures Israel possesses better military equipment than its neighbors. The F-35I variant used by Israel reportedly includes special sensors not found on standard models.

President Donald Trump addressed the QME question in the Oval Office today. When asked if Saudi Arabia would receive the same F-35 variant as Israel, Trump suggested the aircraft would be pretty similar.

"This is a great ally, and Israel's a great ally, and I know they'd like you to get planes of reduced caliber. I don't think that makes you too happy," Trump said, directing his comments to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "We're looking at that exactly right now, but as far as I'm concerned, I think they are both at the level where they should get top of the line."

The announcement followed a high-profile meeting today between Trump and the crown prince. This marks MBS's first official US visit since the CIA concluded that Saudi agents killed Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. While MBS effectively rules the kingdom, this week's visit is not an official head of state event because King Salman holds that title.

MBS announced he is increasing a May pledge to invest $600 billion in various US industries toward $1 trillion.

"Today and tomorrow, we will announce that we are going to increase that $600 billion to almost $1 trillion for investment, real investment and real opportunity, with details in many areas," MBS said in the Oval Office. He mentioned investments in technology, AI, materials, and magnets that will create numerous opportunities.

That issue remains unresolved. MBS today appeared to hold off on Trump's push for Saudi Arabia to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords. Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco initially signed those accords in 2020.