US Approves Potential $24.3 Billion Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal estimated at $24.3 billion, according to the US State Department.
The proposed agreement marks a major development in defence cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. The deal still requires the completion of the US congressional review process before it can move forward.
Saudi Arabia Seeks Advanced F-35 Aircraft
Saudi Arabia has been seeking access to the F-35, one of the most advanced fighter aircraft operated by the United States and its selected international partners.
The proposed sale includes 48 aircraft along with associated equipment and support. The US government said the package is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to current and future security threats.
The State Department also said the aircraft would improve coordination between Saudi and US forces while expanding Riyadh’s air-to-air and air-to-ground defensive capabilities.
Deal Still Faces Congressional Review
Although the US administration has approved the proposed sale, the agreement is not yet final. The State Department has formally notified Congress, giving lawmakers an opportunity to review the deal.
No specific delivery schedule has been announced. Major US foreign military sales can involve additional reviews, negotiations and production timelines before equipment is delivered.
Israel’s Military Advantage Remains a Key Issue
The proposed F-35 sale has attracted attention in Israel because Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the aircraft.
Washington has maintained a policy of preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. The State Department said the proposed Saudi deal would not change the regional military balance under that policy.
Israeli officials and security experts have previously raised concerns about transferring the advanced aircraft to other regional states.
F-35 Programme Has Strict Export Controls
The F-35 programme has historically been limited to the United States and selected allied countries. Several European NATO members operate the aircraft, while Israel has also developed significant experience with the platform.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme in 2019 after its purchase of a Russian S-400 air defence system raised concerns in Washington about protecting sensitive aircraft technology.
Major Step in US-Saudi Defence Relations
The proposed Saudi F-35 purchase comes as Riyadh continues to modernise its armed forces and strengthen defence cooperation with Washington.
If approved and eventually completed, the agreement would give Saudi Arabia access to a highly advanced aircraft platform and expand the scope of its military partnership with the United States.
