WASHINGTON, Nov 18: US President Donald Trump said Monday that he would approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the White House on Tuesday, his first visit in over seven years.
As Trump looks to strengthen US-Saudi ties, he is also urging the crown prince to join the Abraham Accords.
When asked by reporters whether he would proceed with the sale of advanced warplanes, Trump replied, “We will be doing that.”
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We will be selling F-35s, They(Saudis) have been a great ally.”
A ceremonial welcome for the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman , including a welcome with military bands, cannon salutes, and horses, is on the list along with a black-tie dinner.
Bilateral discussions between the leaders will be held in the Oval Office. While not designated a formal state visit, the program includes a major investment forum to examine cooperation on green technology, digital infrastructure, biotechnology, and defense.
Trump said he hopes to discuss Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. “The Abraham Accords will be a part we’re going to be discussing,” Trump told reporters on Friday. “I hope that Saudi Arabia will be joining the Abraham Accords fairly soon.”
Currently, Israel is the only country in the Middle East with F-35 jets, which reportedly cost $100 million apiece and are considered among the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
Israel opposes the potential arms deal between Washington and Riyadh, as preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge is enshrined in US law. The US has a decades-old commitment to ensuring Israel retains superior military capabilities over potential regional adversaries.
Meanwhile, the US Congress could block export licenses for the F-35s to Saudi Arabia, as per reports by CNN.
(UNI)
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