Why US plan to sell F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia is controversial
The Trump administration's approval of a $24 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia is controversial, raising concerns among some US lawmakers and defense officials. Critics worry about Saudi Arabia potentially sharing sensitive military technology with China and the impact on Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.
Why it matters
This proposed arms deal has significant geopolitical implications, affecting regional power balances in the Middle East, US-China relations, and the security of advanced US military technology.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office
President Donald Trump's administration says it has approved the sale of nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a policy shift for the US that has raised concerns from some members of Congress.
Saudi Arabia has sought for years to buy the world's most advanced warplane, equipped with stealth technology that allows it to evade enemy detection.
Washington had resisted, partly because it supplies F-35s to its ally Israel, which is guaranteed under US law to receive top-of-the-range American weapons compared with those its regional neighbours can access.
Congress has 30 days to scrutinise or attempt to block the $24bn (£17.8bn) sale to Riyadh, which is the largest customer for US weapons.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, A US Air Force F-35
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