But such agreements are subject to tight rules against proliferation, and Congress would be expected to scrutinise any full accord.
Saudi Arabia says it is not seeking nuclear weapons, and it recently entered an enhanced defence partnership with Pakistan, a nuclear power.
The United States has so far only allowed the sales of F-35s to its closest allies, including a number of European NATO allies and Israel.
Washington kicked Turkey out of the F-35 program in 2019 because Ankara’s purchase of a Russian air defence system sparked fears that Moscow could acquire the plane’s technology through the back door.
The Saudi prince and de facto ruler is making his first US visit since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents prompted worldwide outrage and briefly upended ties.
Prince Mohammed, who hosted Trump earlier this year, will press for security guarantees, while Trump will urge him to normalise ties with Israel.
Saudi Arabia is unlikely to agree to normalisation at this stage.
Source: CNA
