Trump's F-35 Push for Saudi Arabia Moves Forward as US Clears Potential $24.3 Billion Fighter Jet Sale: Lockheed Martin, RTX Set to Gain?
Key takeaways
- U.S. clears a $24.3 billion F‑35 sale to Saudi Arabia, boosting Lockheed and RTX earnings and deepening U.S.–Saudi defense ties.
- $24.3 billion total deal value
- 48 F‑35 aircraft
- 49 Pratt & Whitney engines
What happened
The U.S. State Department has cleared a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F‑35 Lightning II fighter jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines to Saudi Arabia, pending congressional approval. Lockheed Martin (LMT) will supply the aircraft, while RTX (RTX) will provide the engines and related support equipment. The deal is framed as a boost to Saudi security and U.S.–Saudi strategic partnership. The Saudi embassy welcomed the move as a step toward deeper defense cooperation.
Why it matters
The approval signals a significant expansion of U.S. defense exports to the Gulf, potentially altering regional power balances and strengthening Saudi air capabilities against Iran. It also represents a major revenue source for Lockheed and RTX, adding to their defense earnings. The deal underscores President Trump’s…
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term. Short‑term traders should monitor the congressional approval process and any U.S.
Longer-term. Over the next few months, the contract could materially improve Lockheed’s and RTX’s revenue streams and strengthen their market positions in defense exports.