Investing.com -- The United States and Saudi Arabia have recently held discussions regarding a potential purchase of F-35 jets by Riyadh, according to Reuters, citing two anonymous sources. The F-35 aircraft, produced by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ), has been an item of interest for Saudi Arabia for several years.

While the talks have taken place, it remains uncertain whether the US will allow Saudi Arabia to proceed with such a purchase. The F-35 is an advanced weapon system currently used by Israel, a close US ally. One source mentioned the issue of maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME) - a US policy that ensures Israel receives more advanced American weapons than Arab states.

Israel has been in possession of F-35s for nine years, during which it has built multiple squadrons. If the US approves this potential deal, Saudi Arabia would become only the second Middle Eastern state, after Israel, to operate F-35 fighters.

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