The U.S. has approved a $1 billion helicopter support deal for Saudi Arabia, deepening Washington–Riyadh defense ties at a critical geopolitical moment. The package includes training, maintenance, repair parts, and full support for the Saudi Aviation Corps’ helicopter fleet, a major upgrade to the kingdom’s military readiness. The announcement comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pushes for something far bigger: U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jets, a move that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East and potentially erode Israel’s long-held qualitative military edge.
E-Paper
