Trump’s F-35 Endorsement: US-Made Fighters for Saudi Arabia Confirmed
In a significant political and military development, former US President Donald Trump has officially confirmed the transfer of advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This move, which solidifies a key defense partnership, has immediately drawn the attention of political and military analysts worldwide.
The Deal: American-Made Aircraft
A central question that emerged among experts was whether the aircraft would be US-built or assembled from kits in partner facilities. President Trump himself provided a definitive answer: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will receive F-35s manufactured in the United States. This decision underscores the direct nature of the defense procurement and its roots in American industrial production.
A Primer on the F-35’s Global Standing
The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets, produced by the American defense giant Lockheed Martin. It is designed in three primary variants, which share over 80% of their parts to keep costs manageable. All models feature the same Pratt & Whitney F-135 engine, advanced stealth capabilities, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems.
- The F-35A (Conventional Takeoff and Landing): This is the most common and best-selling variant, designed for standard runways. It is the lightest and most cost-effective model and is the only one with an internal 25mm cannon. Key US allies like Israel, Japan, South Korea, and Australia operate this version.
- The F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing): The most complex and expensive model, the F-35B can take off from short runways and land vertically. This capability is vital for the US Marine Corps and allied navies operating from lighter aircraft carriers.
- The F-35C (Carrier Variant): Designed explicitly for the US Navy’s large aircraft carriers, this model features larger, foldable wings and a strengthened landing gear for catapult launches and arrested landings.
Saudi Arabia’s Expected Variant
Based on the structure and requirements of the Royal Saudi Air Force, analysts anticipate the Kingdom will receive the F-35A model. This conventional variant is the most suitable for Saudi Arabia’s existing military infrastructure and operational doctrine, making the more specialized B and C models unlikely choices. Therefore, the jets are expected to be the standard F-35A variant, produced at the primary Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
This agreement marks a notable step in the strategic defense relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, highlighting continued cooperation in regional security frameworks.