Two US Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jets participate in exercises at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in February 2020. The Trump administration has approved a sale of the F-35 to Saudi Arabia, but further obstacles could prevent its closure. (US Air Force/Senior Airman Giovanni Sims)

Trump Administration Approves F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia, Despite Concerns

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Some US lawmakers have objected to the deal, reasoning that Chinese telecommunications equipment in Saudi Arabia could be used to study the aircraft and compromise its stealth features.

United States President Donald Trump has touted himself as a master dealmaker, but critics are warning that his latest deal could compromise the security of the United States military’s most advanced operational aircraft.

The Trump administration approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of nearly 50 F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, as part of an effort to increase the capabilities of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) as it is being dragged into renewed fighting with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The news of the deal comes shortly after reports that the Houthis had downed an RSAF F-15SA, an advanced variant of the US Air Force’s F-15 Eagle.

Trump Wants to Sell Four Dozen F-35s to the RSAF

Under the terms of the deal, Riyadh could acquire 48 of the Lockheed Martin aircraft, along with spare Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, other spare parts, training, and........

© The National Interest