WASHINGTON, September 18: The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, clearing a major step in a deal that still requires congressional review before it can proceed. The proposed package also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, support equipment, spare parts and related services.
State Department Clears Potential F-35 Sale
The U.S. government has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale following a Saudi request for 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft.
The package is valued at an estimated $24.3 billion, although the final value could change depending on negotiations, equipment selected and eventual contracts.
The proposed transaction has not yet become a completed sale and remains subject to the U.S. congressional review process.
Deal Includes 49 Engines and Support Equipment
Along with the aircraft, Saudi Arabia has requested 49 engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, which is part of RTX.
The package also includes communications systems, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, training, logistical support and other equipment needed to operate and maintain the aircraft.
Lockheed Martin would be the principal aircraft contractor, while Pratt & Whitney would supply the engines.
Saudi Arabia Could Become New Middle East F-35 Operator
If the transaction is completed, Saudi Arabia would become one of the few countries in the region to operate the advanced fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter.
At present, Israel is the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35, making the proposed Saudi acquisition significant for the regional military balance.
The F-35 is designed for stealth operations and combines advanced sensors, networking capabilities and precision-strike systems.
Deal Raises Questions Over Israel’s Military Edge
The proposed sale is expected to draw scrutiny over the United States’ longstanding legal and policy commitment to maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge, which refers to Israel’s ability to counter military threats from regional adversaries with superior capabilities.
Reuters reported that the Saudi F-35 proposal could test how Washington balances stronger defence ties with Riyadh against that commitment.
The approval itself does not determine how Congress or Israel may respond to the proposed transfer.
Saudi Arabia Has Sought F-35s for Years
Saudi Arabia has long sought access to advanced U.S. combat aircraft as part of its wider military modernisation programme.
Reuters reported that Riyadh made its latest request for F-35 aircraft to President Donald Trump in early 2025, as the kingdom sought to upgrade its air force amid changing regional security conditions.
The Saudi government has welcomed the proposed deal as evidence of close defence ties between Riyadh and Washington.
Congressional Approval Remains Key
The State Department’s approval allows the administration to formally notify Congress of the proposed sale.
Lawmakers will now have an opportunity to review the transaction, and opposition could still arise over issues including regional security, Saudi Arabia’s human-rights record and the potential impact on the Middle East military balance.
Previous major U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia have faced congressional scrutiny, including after the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Deal Comes Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
The proposed F-35 sale comes as security conditions across the Middle East remain volatile, with continuing conflict involving Iran and renewed fighting between Saudi-backed forces and Yemen’s Houthis.
Saudi Arabia has also faced recent missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure and civilian areas, increasing attention on the kingdom’s air and missile defence capabilities.
If Congress does not block the transaction and final contracts are signed, the acquisition would represent one of the most significant upgrades to Saudi Arabia’s combat aviation capabilities in decades.
source – Reuters / Associated Press / U.S. State Department
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