US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns
The US has approved a US$24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said Thursday, the kingdom’s latest major arms purchase since the start of the Iran war. Saudi Arabia has long sought to buy F-35s, but officials from Israel – currently the only country in the Middle East to operate the jets – have voiced concern about their sale to Riyadh despite a push…
The US has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to the State Department. This marks Saudi Arabia's latest major arms purchase amid the ongoing Iran conflict. Despite Israeli concerns about selling the F-35s to Riyadh, the State Department claims the sale will bolster Saudi defenses and improve interoperability with US forces.
The Department has informed Congress about the proposed sale, which still requires their approval. The Department stated the sale won't change the regional military balance, aligning with US policy that Israel must maintain a military edge over potential adversaries. The US has only previously approved F-35 sales to close allies, including several European NATO members and Israel.
However, Washington has recently expelled Turkey from the F-35 program due to concerns over Russian air defense systems. US intelligence analysts have warned that China could potentially acquire F-35 technology through partnerships with Saudi Arabia. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, expressed opposition to the sale, citing fears that the crown jewels of American military technology might fall into Chinese Communist Party hands.
This F-35 sale is part of a series of significant arms deals by Saudi Arabia this year, which includes a $5 billion purchase of bombs, 60 tank engines, and related equipment, and a $1.96 billion deal for rocket guidance systems. Saudi Arabia has faced frequent drone and missile attacks by Iranian forces since the US and Israel began their war against Iran in February, as well as from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The civil war in Yemen has recently reignited, with the rebels imposing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and targeting its ships in the Red Sea. While Washington has not intervened directly, an American military task force is working to improve intelligence sharing and planning support for Saudi forces.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
