President Trump confirmed on November 17 2025 that the United States would sell F‑35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, making the kingdom the first Arab nation—and the second country in the Middle East after Israel—to acquire the advanced stealth platform. The announcement signals a significant expansion of Lockheed Martin’s footprint in a strategically important region.
The deal is expected to generate roughly $4 billion in revenue for Lockheed, based on an estimated $100 million per aircraft and a potential order of up to 48 jets. Analysts project that the transaction could lift earnings per share by about $1.50, although the exact figures have not yet been disclosed. The contract would add to Lockheed’s already sizable backlog of $179 billion, underscoring the company’s strong order pipeline.
Lockheed’s Q3 2025 results showed revenue of $18.6 billion, a 9% year‑over‑year increase, and earnings per share of $6.95, beating analyst expectations by $0.24. The company’s guidance for 2025 was raised to $74.25 billion–$74.75 billion in sales and $22.15 – $22.35 in EPS, reflecting confidence in sustained demand and the ability to scale production. The F‑35 sale would reinforce this outlook by adding a high‑margin, high‑volume customer to the aeronautics segment.
Geopolitically, the sale is highly significant. Saudi Arabia’s acquisition would shift the balance of air power in the Middle East, raising concerns in Israel about maintaining its qualitative edge. The United States has framed the deal as a lever to encourage Saudi–Israel normalization, while also navigating congressional scrutiny over human‑rights concerns and potential technology transfer to China. Lockheed’s cautious response emphasizes that the sale is a government‑to‑government transaction subject to U.S. export controls and congressional notification.
CEO Jim Taiclet highlighted the company’s “unprecedented demand” across its product lines, noting that the F‑35 program is a key driver of production capacity expansion. He added that Lockheed expects to deliver up to 200 F‑35s in 2025, positioning the firm to meet the growing needs of allies while maintaining profitability. The potential Saudi order would further diversify Lockheed’s customer base and strengthen its strategic position in a high‑growth region.
The sale remains a potential transaction pending U.S. approval and congressional oversight. If finalized, it would represent a major milestone for Lockheed Martin, boosting revenue, expanding its Middle‑East presence, and reinforcing the company’s leadership in advanced fighter technology.
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