U.S. Approves Possible $24.3 Billion Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The United States has approved a possible sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal estimated at $24.3 billion.

The proposed sale includes 48 F-35 aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, along with communications equipment, training, spare parts, logistics support and other related equipment.

The State Department notified Congress of the proposed Foreign Military Sale under Transmittal No. 26-69.

The sale still requires congressional review and has not been finalized. If completed, it would make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to operate the F-35

Saudi Arabia has long sought the aircraft. Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating F-35s and has expressed concerns about preserving its military advantage in the region as Washington considers the Saudi request.

“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with US forces,” the State Department said.

The department said the proposed package would also strengthen Saudi Arabia's air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington welcomed the proposed transaction, saying it reflected the strength of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and their security cooperation.