The US State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth jets and 49 engines to Saudi Arabia, pending congressional review.
The United States has approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, marking a major step towards one of the most consequential American arms deals in the Middle East.
The US State Department cleared the proposed sale, which includes up to 48 F-35 aircraft and 49 engines. The package has now been submitted to Congress for review and is not yet a completed contract.
If finalised, Saudi Arabia could become the first Arab country to operate the advanced fifth-generation fighter. Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern nation flying F-35s.
What the Saudi F-35 Package Includes
The proposed foreign military sale covers 48 F-35 fighter jets and 49 engines, including a spare. It is also expected to include associated equipment, training, logistical support, spare parts and programme-management services.
Lockheed Martin would be the principal aircraft contractor, while Pratt & Whitney would supply the engines.
The final value could change during negotiations, depending on the equipment selected, production arrangements and agreements reached with the contractors.
The State Department said the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to counter present and future threats while strengthening its interoperability with American and allied forces.
The proposed deal and its submission to Congress were reported by Reuters.
Sale Still Requires Congressional Review
The State Department’s approval does not mean the aircraft have already been sold or that deliveries are imminent.
Congress must review the notification and can raise objections or attempt to block the transaction. Lawmakers are expected to examine regional security, human-rights concerns and the protection of sensitive F-35 technology.
Some US legislators have previously expressed concern that Saudi Arabia’s close economic and technological ties with China could create a risk of advanced American military technology being exposed.
Delivery schedules have not been announced. Large foreign military sales generally take years to complete because they involve contract negotiations, aircraft production, pilot training and the construction of support infrastructure.
Israel’s Military Edge in Focus
The proposal could alter the balance of air power in the Middle East. Israel currently operates the F-35I Adir, a customised version of the aircraft, and has traditionally received the most advanced US-supplied military capabilities in the region.
US law requires Washington to consider Israel’s qualitative military edge when approving major weapons sales to Middle Eastern countries.
Reports indicate that any Saudi F-35 configuration may not include all the capabilities available on Israel’s aircraft. However, the proposed transfer is still likely to prompt scrutiny from Israeli officials and supporters in Washington.
The regional implications, including Israeli concerns and the risk of sensitive technology reaching China, were detailed by The Indian Express.
US-Saudi Defence Ties Deepen
Saudi Arabia requested the fighter jets as part of its effort to modernise its armed forces and strengthen air defences amid heightened regional tensions.
The kingdom has faced missile and drone threats from Iran and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. The F-35’s stealth, advanced sensors and networked combat capabilities would significantly expand the Royal Saudi Air Force’s operational reach.
The potential sale also reflects the Trump administration’s push to deepen strategic and defence cooperation with Riyadh. The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a broader defence package valued at approximately $142 billion in 2025.
The F-35 proposal will now depend on the congressional review process, subsequent negotiations and the approval of a final contract.
About the Author
