US Approves Potential $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale To Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. State Department said on September 17. The proposed F-35 sale Saudi Arabia package includes up to 48 F-35A aircraft and 49 F135 engines, but the transaction is not yet final because it remains subject to congressional review.
F-35 Sale Saudi Arabia Includes 48 Aircraft
The proposed F-35 sale Saudi Arabia package covers Lockheed Martin’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft, associated engines, communications equipment, spare parts, training and other support. The State Department estimates the total value at $24.3 billion.
The approval would give Riyadh access to one of the world’s most advanced operational fighter aircraft. Saudi Arabia has sought the F-35 for years, but concerns over regional military balance and protection of sensitive U.S. technology have complicated the proposed transfer.
According to Reuters, the State Department said the proposed sale would not alter the military balance in the region.
US Military Arms Deal Faces Congressional Review
The US military arms deal is significant because State Department approval does not automatically complete the transaction. Congress now has an opportunity to review the proposed sale and could seek to block it.
The package comes as Saudi Arabia faces heightened security pressures linked to the wider West Asia conflict. Recent attacks involving Iran-aligned Houthi forces have already affected Saudi cities and energy infrastructure, including the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia reported earlier by The Reportiva.
The proposed US military arms deal would deepen an already substantial defence relationship between Washington and Riyadh. It could also make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to operate the F-35 if the sale ultimately proceeds.
Israel And Technology Concerns Remain
The proposed transfer has broader regional implications because Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35. Washington has long maintained that Israel must retain a qualitative military edge over other regional powers.
U.S. officials and lawmakers have also raised concerns about safeguarding sensitive American military technology because of Saudi Arabia’s growing relationship with China. Those concerns could become part of the congressional review.
The State Department nevertheless said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend its territory and improve interoperability with U.S. forces.
Deal Could Reshape West Asia Defence Dynamics
The F-35 sale Saudi Arabia proposal comes during a period of heightened military activity across the Gulf and surrounding areas. Riyadh’s acquisition of fifth-generation aircraft would significantly expand its air-combat capabilities if the transaction receives final approval.
For Washington, the US military arms deal also reinforces its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia at a time when regional security arrangements are changing rapidly.
The proposed sale is therefore not yet a completed arms transfer. Congress must still review the notification, while final quantities, prices and delivery arrangements could change before any agreement is concluded.
