US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

The United States has authorized a $24.3 billion deal to supply Saudi Arabia with 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets, according to a statement from the state department. This is the latest major arms purchase by Saudi Arabia this year following the country's war with Iran. Saudi Arabia has long desired to acquire F-35s, but Israeli officials have expressed concerns over the sale, despite the push for the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel.

The intended purchase aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities against both current and future threats, as well as improve interoperability with US forces. The sale will also bolster Saudi Arabia's operational aircraft and self-defense capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. The state department has informed Congress, which must approve the deal and has not provided a timeline for delivery.

The F-35 sale will not change the regional military balance, in line with US policy favoring Israel's military superiority. The US has thus far only granted F-35 sales to close allies, including several NATO countries and Israel, while excluding Turkey due to concerns over Russian military technology. Washington also has worries about potential Chinese espionage related to the jets, as US intelligence has suggested Beijing could gain access to F-35 technology via partnerships with Riyadh.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, opposes the sale, citing intelligence warnings that it could expose American military technology to the Chinese Communist Party. The F-35 sale follows a series of major arms deals with Saudi Arabia, including a $5 billion contract for over 10,000 bombs and $750 million for 60 tank engines in September, along with a $1.96 billion agreement in July for guidance systems to convert rockets into precision weapons.

Saudi Arabia has faced drone and missile strikes by Iran since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran in February, as well as strikes from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Although Washington has not been directly involved, an American military task force is collaborating to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces.