Understanding Trump's F-35 Deal with Saudi Arabia: Process, Challenges, and Regional Implications

Nov 20, 2025 04:19 pm CST

President Trump has approved the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as part of a potential $142 billion military equipment package, but the actual delivery faces a complex approval process, congressional scrutiny, and regional security considerations including Israel's military advantage. Despite Trump's suggestion of a 24-hour approval timeline, the comprehensive foreign military sales procedure typically takes years to complete, involving multiple government entities and careful diplomatic balancing.