Trump confirms U.S. readiness to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington plans to sell fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

“Yes, I can say that. We are going to do it. We will sell the F-35,” Trump said in response to a question from a reporter at the White House.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Washington on November 18 — his first trip since 2018. Bloomberg reported that Riyadh is seeking U.S. security guarantees similar to those granted to Qatar.

In late September, Trump signed a directive stating that the United States would consider any armed attack on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty or key infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security. U.S. media have also reported that Saudi Arabia aims to secure a deal to purchase F-35 jets.