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President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that the United States would sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of military cooperation between the two nations on the eve of a high-profile White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The announcement came as a Saudi real estate developer unveiled a new luxury hotel partnership with the Trump Organization in the Maldives, adding to a growing portfolio of business ventures linking the Trump family's property empire with Saudi-backed investments across the Middle East and beyond.
"We will be doing that. We will be selling F-35s," Trump told reporters when asked about the potential deal ahead of Tuesday's talks. "They've been a great ally," he added.
The F-35 sale would represent a major advancement in U.S.-Saudi military relations, providing Riyadh access to one of the world's most sophisticated combat aircraft. The fifth-generation stealth fighter, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, features advanced sensors and networking capabilities that allow it to evade enemy radar systems.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to arrive at the White House on Tuesday for his first visit to Washington in seven years. The Saudi leader, who serves as the kingdom's de facto ruler, has cultivated strong ties with Trump since the president's return to office.
Hours before Trump's F-35 announcement, London Stock Exchange-listed Dar Global revealed plans for a Trump International-branded luxury hotel in the Maldives. The project introduces an innovative financing structure allowing investors to participate through digital tokens.
The partnership extends an existing relationship between Dar Global and the Trump family's property business spanning multiple countries. The companies already collaborate on developments in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Last September, they finalized a $1 billion agreement for a mixed-use development in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah.
The timing of the business announcement and arms sale underscores the intertwining of diplomatic and commercial interests between Washington and Riyadh. During Trump's May visit to Saudi Arabia, the crown prince pledged $600 billion in investments in the United States.
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have led the Trump Organization since 2016, though the president maintains a financial stake through a trust arrangement. The structure has drawn scrutiny from ethics observers who question potential conflicts between official duties and family business interests.
The White House meeting Tuesday is expected to address regional security concerns, economic cooperation, and bilateral investment opportunities as both nations seek to strengthen their strategic partnership.
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