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Why US plan to sell F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia is controversial
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- The Trump administration approved the sale of nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant policy shift that has raised concerns among some members of Congress.
- The $24 billion deal, the largest US weapons sale to Riyadh, faces a 30-day congressional review period during which lawmakers can scrutinize or attempt to block the sale.
- Critics worry the transfer of advanced stealth technology could jeopardize US military secrets, potentially allowing China access through Saudi Arabia's security ties with Beijing.
- The State Department defends the sale as supporting US foreign policy and national security objectives, asserting it will not disrupt the military balance in the Gulf region.
- The sale would place Saudi Arabia's F-35 fleet on par with Israel's current 50 jets, though Israel plans to expand its fleet to 100, maintaining its qualitative military edge.
