A potential first-of-its-kind fighter jet purchase could be a sign Saudi Arabia isn't happy with what it's getting from the US

• Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering a large number of French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
• Such a purchase would be a break from Saudi Arabia's long history of buying US and British jets.
• If Riyadh is shopping around, it suggests it doesn't think its traditional partners will be as reliable in the future.

Saudi Arabia has spent decades building an enormous air force composed exclusively of advanced US and British fighter jets. But Riyadh's reported interest in potentially purchasing a large number of French jets may be a sign it doesn't think its long-time patrons are as reliable as before.