Trump Announces F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia, Signs Historic Defense Pact at White House

On November 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sealed a landmark defense deal at the White House in Washington, D.C.—one that reshapes Middle East security, revives American defense manufacturing, and breaks decades of diplomatic precedent. The agreement includes the sale of F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 M1 Abrams tanks, marking the most significant U.S.-Saudi defense advancement since the 1951 Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement. What’s striking isn’t just the scale—it’s the silence on Israel. For the first time, the U.S. refused to tie the F-35 sale to Saudi normalization with Israel, a policy shift that sends shockwaves through regional diplomacy.

A New Era in U.S.-Saudi Defense Ties

The U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement White House wasn’t just signed—it was announced as a cornerstone of Trump’s "America First" agenda. According to the White House fact sheet, the pact secures "burden-sharing funds" from Saudi Arabia to offset U.S. military costs in the region, a move designed to reduce taxpayer burdens while expanding American defense industry access. The agreement also establishes joint U.S.-Saudi defense industrial working groups, set to launch within 90 days, to oversee technology transfers under strict U.S. export controls. This isn’t about weapons alone—it’s about building a shared industrial ecosystem. Lockheed Martin, the maker of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, stands to gain billions in F-35 production orders, while General Dynamics Land Systems will ramp up tank manufacturing in Michigan, preserving hundreds of high-wage jobs.

F-35s, But Not the Best Ones

Here’s the twist: Saudi Arabia won’t get the same F-35s Israel does. U.S. officials told The Times of Israel that the Kingdom will receive a "less advanced" variant—stripped of certain sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and data-link systems that preserve Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME), a legal requirement under the 2012 U.S. defense law. That’s not a slight—it’s a calculated compromise. The U.S. wants Saudi Arabia to deter Iran and stabilize the Gulf, but not so much that it threatens Israel’s strategic advantage. It’s a delicate balance: enough firepower to reassure Riyadh, not enough to alarm Tel Aviv. And yet, the most surprising part? The U.S. made no demands about peace with Israel. For years, every major arms deal with Arab states came with quiet pressure to normalize ties. Not this time. The message is clear: regional security now outweighs diplomatic conditions.

Why This Matters Beyond the Middle East

This deal ripples far beyond Riyadh and Washington. Defense contractors are already planning expansions. Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant, which currently produces 140 F-35s per year, is expected to increase output by 20% over the next five years to meet Saudi demand. General Dynamics has pledged to hire 400 new workers in Sterling Heights by mid-2026. Meanwhile, U.S. allies in Europe are watching closely. Germany and France, both of whom have pushed for arms sales to Saudi Arabia, now face pressure to match U.S. terms—or risk losing influence. Even China is taking note. Beijing has long sought to position itself as an alternative arms supplier to the Gulf, but this deal reinforces Washington’s dominance in high-tech defense exports.

And then there’s the economic angle. The White House claims the deal will "unlock unprecedented opportunities for American exporters," but it’s vague on numbers. No total dollar figure was released. Still, analysts estimate the package—tanks, jets, training, maintenance, and infrastructure—could exceed $25 billion over ten years. That’s more than the annual GDP of some NATO members. And unlike past deals, this one includes Saudi investments in U.S. infrastructure and tech startups, a novel twist that ties defense cooperation to broader economic integration.

What’s Next? The 12-Month Countdown

Implementation begins immediately. By February 2026, joint U.S.-Saudi defense panels must be fully operational. The first F-35s are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia by late 2027, with deliveries continuing through 2030. Training for Saudi pilots will start in Arizona and Texas, with U.S. personnel embedded in Riyadh to oversee maintenance. The real test? Will Saudi Arabia use these jets to project power beyond its borders? And if Iran responds with its own arms buildup—say, more drones or missile systems—will the U.S. be ready to step in? The answer will define whether this pact is a stabilizing force… or the spark of a new arms race.

Historical Context: From Quincy to the White House

The U.S.-Saudi relationship began in 1945, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt met King Abdulaziz Al Saud aboard the USS Quincy in the Suez Canal. Oil was the glue then. Now, it’s defense. The 1951 Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement laid the groundwork, but for decades, American sales were limited to older systems—Hawk missiles, Patriot batteries, basic fighter jets. The F-35 sale changes everything. It signals Saudi Arabia isn’t just a client—it’s a strategic partner. And for the first time since the Cold War, the U.S. is treating a Gulf monarchy like a peer in high-end military procurement. That’s a seismic shift.