US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has long sought to buy F-35s, but Israeli officials have voiced concern about selling them to Riyadh despite a push for the kingdom to normalise relations.
The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to a statement from the state department. This marks Saudi Arabia's latest major arms purchase since the beginning of the Iran war. The jets will bolster Saudi Arabia's defense against potential threats and enhance its interoperability with US forces.
The sale, which requires approval from US lawmakers, does not alter the military balance in the region and aligns with US policy that Israel must maintain a military advantage over potential adversaries in the region. Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns about potential Chinese espionage related to the jets. The F-35 sale follows other recent arms deals, including a $5 billion purchase of bombs and other weaponry, tank engines, and guidance sections for converting rockets into precision weapons.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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