It is a potential multi-billion-dollar deal that has cleared an important Pentagon hurdle ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington.

If approved, the sale could change the region’s military balance and test Washington’s promise to maintain Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”

Sources familiar with the matter said Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump earlier this year, seeking the advanced Lockheed Martin-built jets.

The Pentagon is now reviewing the proposal, which has moved to the secretary level within the Defense Department.

Officials confirmed that while the deal is progressing, it has not yet received final approval. Several steps remain, including Cabinet-level clearance, presidential approval, and notification to Congress.

Lockheed Martin said all military sales are government-to-government deals handled directly by Washington.

The F-35 is considered the world’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, already used by Israel — the only Middle Eastern country to have it.

Saudi Arabia, the largest buyer of US arms, aims to modernize its air force to counter regional threats, especially from Iran.

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Earlier this year, Washington approved an arms package worth nearly Rs142,000,000,000 for Saudi Arabia, which the White House called “the largest defense cooperation agreement” in US history.

However, the deal may face challenges in Congress due to concerns over human rights and past controversies involving Riyadh.