The United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a major development in defence cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.
The US State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to current and future security threats. The package would include the advanced fighter aircraft along with related equipment and support.
The F-35 Lightning II is a stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin. Its low-observable design and advanced sensors are among the features that make it one of the most sophisticated fighter aircraft currently operated by the United States and its close allies.
Saudi Arabia has sought access to the F-35 for years as part of efforts to modernise its air force. The proposed purchase would add a new type of advanced aircraft to a Saudi fleet that already includes US and European fighter jets.
However, the proposed sale is not yet final. The US State Department has notified Congress, and the deal must go through the US congressional process before it can be completed. No delivery timetable has been announced.
The proposed agreement has also attracted attention because Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35. Israeli officials have previously expressed concerns about providing the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
The US State Department said the proposed sale would not alter the military balance in the region and would support Saudi Arabia’s homeland defence capabilities and interoperability with US forces.
According to Reuters, the estimated package includes 48 F-35 aircraft and 49 engines, along with communications equipment, spare parts and other support services.
If completed, the deal would represent a significant expansion of Saudi Arabia’s military relationship with the United States. It also comes as security tensions continue across the Middle East, increasing the importance of advanced air-defence and military capabilities for countries in the region.