2025-05-14T01:59:00Z

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In recent reports, it has been indicated that Lockheed Martin Corp is poised to engage in a significant sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia. Specifically, this transaction is expected to include C-130 transport aircraft, various missiles, and advanced radar systems. Notably, high-ranking executives from RTX Corp, Boeing Co, and Northrop Grumman Corp are anticipated to be present in the kingdom for discussions regarding this potential sale. However, the White House has refrained from confirming any particular equipment or manufacturers linked to this prospective agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Reuters was also unable to ascertain the precise number of deals proposed that could be considered new, as many of these negotiations have reportedly been ongoing for quite some time, according to insider sources. This ambiguity underscores the complexities often associated with military procurement and international defense agreements.

Saudi Arabia has established itself as the largest purchaser of arms from the United States, a relationship that gained notable attention in 2017 when then-President Donald Trump put forth a proposal for approximately $110 billion in arms sales to the kingdom. However, by 2018, only about $14.5 billion worth of these sales had actually been initiated. This slow progress raised significant concerns among Congress members, particularly in light of the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which had severe implications for US-Saudi relations.

Furthermore, the Biden administration faced challenges in finalizing a defense pact with Riyadh, which was seen as part of a broader strategy that would ultimately lead to Saudi Arabia normalizing its diplomatic relations with Israel. This potential shift in policy illustrates the intricate balance of power and strategic interests that characterize Middle Eastern geopolitics.

While a White House fact sheet did not clarify whether Riyadh would have the opportunity to acquire Lockheed Martin's F-35 jets, there have been ongoing discussions concerning this advanced military aircraft, which Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in for several years. The F-35 is notable for its cutting-edge technology and capabilities, which would represent a significant upgrade for the kingdom's air force.

Despite these discussions, it remains uncertain whether the United States would grant permission for Saudi Arabia to proceed with such a purchase. This hesitation is largely due to the fact that acquiring F-35s could disrupt the military balance in the region, especially concerning Israel, a close ally of the US that has operated F-35s for nine years and currently possesses multiple squadrons of these advanced jets.

Moreover, the issue of maintaining a qualitative military edge for Israel has been a significant point of contention. This policy ensures that Israel receives more advanced American weaponry compared to Arab states, which has been a longstanding aspect of US foreign policy in the region. Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that this concern has been raised during talks about Saudi Arabia's potential acquisition of F-35s.

If the US government does ultimately approve the sale, Saudi Arabia would become only the second country in the Middle East, after Israel, to operate the F-35 fighters, a decision that could reshape military dynamics in the region.