US approves potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON — The US Department of State said on Thursday that it has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, according to a Congressional notification. The potential sale would mark the first delivery of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal for Lockheed Martin's fighter jets in early 2025 to US…
The United States Department of State has given the green light to a potential $24.3 billion deal to sell 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia, according to a congressional notification. This would be the first time F-35s are delivered to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia had directly requested the fighter jets from Lockheed Martin in early 2025, with President Donald Trump announcing Washington's intention to sell the jets in November 2025. The proposed sale comprises 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, and related equipment, training, and logistical support.
The State Department asserts that the sale would enhance Saudi Arabia's capacity to counter current and future threats, bolster its domestic defense, and improve cooperation with US and allied forces. It further states that the deal would enhance the Kingdom's air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities without altering the regional military balance.
Written by urgent.news from Saudi Gazette's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
