Representative Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling it a “disgusting display” and criticizing the administration’s potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Omar believes that Trump is prioritizing weapons-contractor profits and his own family’s business interests, especially given the Saudis’ human rights record and use of US arms. She urged fellow lawmakers to block the deal, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before sending US soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia. Additionally, groups like DAWN have voiced concerns, suggesting Trump is prioritizing personal and corporate gains over human rights.
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President Trump announced plans to approve the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a significant move preceding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House. This potential arms deal aims to strengthen ties with Riyadh as the US seeks to encourage Saudi Arabia to establish official relations with Israel. The decision raises concerns about maintaining Israel’s military edge in the region, a long-standing US policy, with some Israeli officials opposing the sale. If the deal goes through, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to receive the advanced F-35, a program the US has previously offered to the UAE.
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President Trump announced plans to authorize the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit. This decision raises concerns of potential security pacts and business deals, as the Trump Organization is reportedly in talks to develop a Trump-branded property within a major Saudi real estate project. Watchdog groups have criticized the move, citing the merger of Trump’s business interests with U.S. foreign policy and concerns over human rights, alongside worries that the sale could give China access to sensitive technology. The F-35 program is also projected to cost US taxpayers trillions of dollars, with the sales being internally questioned over concerns about Trump’s business dealings with the kingdom.
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The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, now under NATO command, has achieved ‘Full Operating Capability’ with its advanced F-35 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone for European security. During a UK-Italy ministerial meeting aboard the carrier, discussions centered on strengthening defense cooperation and bolstering European security. Exercise Falcon Strike demonstrated NATO’s strength as UK and Italian F-35s operated together. The Carrier Strike Group is set to participate in the major NATO exercise Neptune Strike, further enhancing the alliance’s capabilities.
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On Tuesday morning, two Norwegian F-35 fighter jets were dispatched to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Barents Sea, resulting in sonic booms that were heard and felt by residents of Alta. The Norwegian Air Force confirmed that the F-35s were scrambled under the Quick Reaction Alert program to identify and monitor the Russian aircraft operating in international airspace north of Finnmark. This operation is considered routine, as Russian reconnaissance aircraft often patrol near NATO borders, prompting allied air forces to regularly monitor such activity. Furthermore, there have been discussions within NATO regarding new rules of engagement, potentially allowing member states to shoot down Russian aircraft that carry missiles without warning if they enter allied airspace.
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Venezuela reported the detection of five US F-35 fighter jets near its Caribbean coast, an event the country’s Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, labeled a “provocation” and a threat to national security. The aircraft were reportedly detected 75 kilometers from the Venezuelan coastline, outside standard territorial waters, and were observed by both Venezuelan air defense systems and an international airliner. This incident follows the deployment of US warships in the Caribbean, which Venezuela views with suspicion, particularly given the recent US strikes against suspected drug traffickers. Padrino has warned the US, stating, “We are watching you, and I want you to know that this does not intimidate us.”
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The Royal Netherlands Air Force achieved its first confirmed combat kill with an F-35A fighter jet, downing a Russian drone. Tail number F-027 of the 313th Squadron was involved in the operation, which occurred during a sortie over Poland. The Dutch Ministry of Defense revealed an official photo showcasing the kill mark, a symbol of the successful downing. This marks a historic first for a NATO-operated fifth-generation F-35. The Dutch F-35s are stationed in Poland as part of NATO’s collective defense mission, which has already resulted in combat operations.
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The Polish Air Force intercepted Russian drones within its airspace, with Dutch F-35 fighter jets assisting in the operation. These drones, believed to be targeting Ukraine, prompted a response from the Polish military, which labeled the intrusion an act of aggression. Local authorities are currently searching for debris, while the government has called an emergency meeting and updated NATO. Dutch officials condemned the incident, emphasizing NATO’s readiness and the need for stricter sanctions against Russia.
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Swiss politicians from various parties are now advocating to cancel the F-35A fighter jet purchase from Lockheed Martin following the imposition of harsh tariffs by President Trump. The proposed purchase, which could cost up to 7.3 billion Swiss francs, has become a contentious topic due to a pricing misunderstanding and the recent tariffs, especially since the 39% rate on Swiss exports is among the highest for developed countries. Some lawmakers are calling for a renewed plebiscite, or an immediate halt to the contract. This potential change of direction comes as Switzerland aims to strengthen defense collaborations with European partners, given its existing security policy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker