Saudi Arabia Eyes F-35 Jets as Trump Seeks $1 Trillion Investment During Riyadh Visit

Saudi Arabia is expected to seek F-35 jets in return for $600 Billion trade and investment into the U.S. which President Trump, who is visiting the kingdom, Qatar and UAE starting tomorrow, wants it upped to $1 Trillion.

"The president looks forward to embarking on his historic return to the Middle East" to promote a vision where "extremism is defeated in place of commerce and cultural exchanges", Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said ahead of the trip.

AFP, referencing Saudi official stated that Riyadh will push for securing F-35 fighter jets along with air defence systems worth billions of dollars. "We will condition that the deliveries take place during Trump's term," the officials said apprehending a F-35 deal with the U.A.E., approved during Trump’s previous term but rescinded by his successor Joe Biden.

Saudi investments into the U.S.

"I'll be asking the crown prince, who's a fantastic guy, to round it out to around one trillion. I think they'll do that because we've been very good to them," Trump said in response to the offer.

Recognition of Israel

During the previous Trump tenure, the U.S. had made recognition of Israel by the U.A.E as condition to sell F-35 jets. However, this time, Washington is not expected to push for Israel’s recognition given Riyadh’s well-known position of the establishment of a Palestinian state before it recognises the Jewish state.