US Clears Potential $24.3 Billion F-35 Deal With Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a package estimated at $24.3 billion, according to the U.S. State Department. The proposed deal still requires a formal congressional review before it can be finalized.
The package would include 48 F-35 aircraft along with 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, communications and cryptographic equipment, spare parts, training and other support services. Lockheed Martin would be the principal aircraft contractor, while Pratt & Whitney would provide the engines.
A Major Step in Saudi Arabia's Air Force Modernization
Saudi Arabia has sought the F-35 for years as part of efforts to modernize its military aviation capabilities. The F-35 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter that uses stealth technology and advanced sensors and avionics.
The proposed purchase would represent a major addition to Saudi Arabia's existing fleet, which includes American F-15 aircraft as well as European fighter jets. The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia's homeland-defense capabilities and improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
Congress Still Has a Role
Although the State Department has approved the potential sale, the agreement is not yet a completed purchase. Congress has been formally notified and has a review period under U.S. law. The proposed deal could therefore still face congressional scrutiny before any final contract is concluded.
The timing of actual deliveries has also not been specified. Even if the agreement moves forward, production and delivery schedules could mean that Saudi Arabia would have to wait several years for the aircraft.
Why the F-35 Sale Matters
The proposed sale has attracted attention because Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35. U.S. policy has traditionally emphasized maintaining Israel's “qualitative military edge” when Washington considers advanced weapons sales to other countries in the region.
The State Department said the proposed F-35 sale would not alter the military balance in the region. At the same time, the deal has raised questions among some U.S. lawmakers and security officials about the protection of sensitive American military technology.
Saudi-US Defense Relationship
The proposed F-35 agreement is part of a broader defense relationship between Washington and Riyadh. The United States has approved several major military sales to Saudi Arabia in recent months, covering aircraft-related equipment, munitions, tank engines and precision-guidance systems.
Saudi officials have welcomed the proposed F-35 agreement as another step in defense cooperation between the two countries. The deal also comes amid heightened security tensions across the Middle East and concerns about attacks affecting Saudi territory and regional shipping routes.
What Happens Next?
The next major step is the U.S. congressional review. If the proposed sale clears that process and a final agreement is reached, production and delivery would follow according to the eventual contract.
For now, the announcement represents approval of a potential sale rather than confirmation that all 48 aircraft have been delivered or that the final purchase contract has been completed.