The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced the approval of the sale of nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a policy shift that has raised concerns among some members of Congress, the BBC reports.
For years, Saudi Arabia has sought to acquire the world’s most advanced fighter jets, which are equipped with stealth technology to evade detection. Washington had long been reluctant, primarily because it supplies F-35 jets to its ally, Israel. US law mandates that Israel is guaranteed access to top-tier American weaponry. Congress now has 30 days to review or block the potential 24 billion dollars deal with Riyadh.
On the 17th of September, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat from Illinois) spoke out against the sale of fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He warned that the move could place the “crown jewels” of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party. Other Democratic politicians and some US defense officials have expressed similar concerns. They believe that Riyadh, based on security cooperation between the two nations, could share sensitive information with China.
In announcing the agreement, the US State Department stated that it would support US foreign policy and national security objectives. The deal with Riyadh is expected to strengthen the security of a major non-NATO ally—a force for political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region.
The proposed sale of military equipment would not alter the military balance in the region.
Trump shares a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; bin Salman visited the White House last November. The two also met in Riyadh last May, where an agreement was concluded for the sale of 142 billion dollar worth of arms to Saudi Arabia.
The latest deal will include 48 F-35 fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin. This would place Saudi Arabia on par with Israel, which possesses 50 such jets. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced in May that it plans to purchase additional F-35s, bringing the country’s total to 100. A single F-35 costs approximately 82.5 million dollars. Congress had previously questioned deals with Riyadh following the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden considered selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia if it normalized relations with Israel, but diplomatic efforts failed.
The proposal to sell the fighter jets comes as Saudi Arabia is engaged in a conflict with Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis have seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Read also: Gulf states cancel meeting with Iran; Houthis attack Saudi Arabia