The United States has approved the potential sale of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision that could reshape military calculations in the Middle East as the kingdom faces mounting pressure from Iran and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The estimated $24.3 billion deal, which still requires congressional approval, would include 48 F-35 aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, together with communications equipment, spare parts and other support items, according to the US Department of State. Saudi Arabia has sought the aircraft for years, including through a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump in early 2025.
The proposed sale would represent a significant policy shift for Washington because US weapons sales to Middle Eastern states are assessed against the requirement that Israel retain a “qualitative military edge”. Israel has operated the F-35 for a decade and remains the only Middle Eastern country to possess the aircraft. The stealth fighter is designed to evade enemy detection and is considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet.
For Riyadh, the proposed acquisition comes as its security concerns have intensified. Saudi Arabia, the largest customer for US arms, has sought to modernise its air force and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran. Its air force currently operates Boeing F-15s alongside European Tornados and Typhoons. The renewed push for what would constitute two squadrons comes as the Trump administration has signalled greater openness to defence cooperation with the kingdom.
The F-35 proposal is also unfolding against a wider deterioration in Saudi Arabia’s security environment. Analysts cited in the source say the kingdom has been left facing serious vulnerabilities after the United States declined to intervene militarily against the Houthis as they tightened their control around the Red Sea. Iran has also blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia’s principal oil and petrochemicals export route from the Gulf.
Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said the Saudi leadership had been “deeply disturbed” by Washington’s position. Bernard Haykel, professor of Near Eastern studies at Princeton University, said Riyadh now had to “rethink really everything” after forces backed by Saudi Arabia surrendered control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to the Houthis.
In response, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s administration is seeking to assemble a multinational coalition involving regional and Western powers to protect shipping and defend Saudi territory against Houthi drones and ballistic missiles. Pakistan and Turkey could contribute air defence, counter-drone capabilities, intelligence, surveillance, training, munitions and personnel, while Egypt is expected to focus on naval surveillance, intelligence and maritime coordination.
Britain, France and other Western powers could contribute naval escorts, surveillance, mine countermeasures and protection for international shipping. Andreas Krieg, associate professor of defence studies at King’s College London, said Washington would remain crucial for intelligence, targeting data, early warning, air defence and command-and-control capabilities, even if it did not directly attack Yemen.
The emerging strategy, however, could leave Riyadh supporting a broad coalition while facing limits on direct offensive support. Some analysts believe Saudi Arabia may ultimately need to negotiate with both Iran and the Houthis. Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics risk consultancy, described the situation as a “humiliating dilemma”, while Haykel said the Saudis “sooner or later, will have to pay off both the Iranians and the Houthis to back off from attacking them”.
Against that backdrop, the F-35 decision carries significance beyond the aircraft themselves. It comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen its military capabilities, diversify its defence partnerships and maintain its decades-long security relationship with Washington while confronting threats to its territory and vital trade routes.
