US President Donald Trump announced the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump made the announcement just before the Crown Prince’s visit to Washington. Human rights activists are protesting the deal.
Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will sell the world’s most modern fighter aircraft F-35 to Saudi Arabia. This announcement came just a day before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first visit to Washington after 7 years. Trump said, “Yes, we will do that. We are selling F-35.” The Crown Prince is coming with two big demands from America, one, a written guarantee of Saudi Arabia’s military security from America, and second, an agreement to buy F-35 aircraft.
Closeness to China is a matter of tension
However, some officials within the Trump administration are concerned that this technology could fall into the hands of China, as relations between Saudi Arabia and the Dragon have become very close in recent years. Last month, the two countries conducted joint naval exercises in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, China was the one who restored diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Trump wants to use this deal to pressure Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel (join the Abraham Accords). He said, “I hope Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords soon.”
What do experts say about the deal?
But Saudi Arabia has clearly stated that it will not normalize relations with Israel until Palestine is granted a path to independence. Expert Bradley Bowman said, ” Trump should make it clear that the first F-35 will not be delivered until Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel. Otherwise, they will be weakening their own power.” Human rights activists are opposing this deal because the Crown Prince is accused of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which he has consistently denied.
What is the speciality of F-35?
The F-35 Lightning II is the world’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. It is virtually invisible to radar, making it undetectable. It boasts supersonic speed, long-range weaponry, and the most advanced sensors. A single aircraft can attack targets on land, sea, and air. It provides the pilot with a 360-degree view and can directly share data with other aircraft and drones. The US has only issued it to its closest allies. (AP)
