US says it will sell up to 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia
US says it will sell up to 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia Submitted by Sean Mathews on Thu, 09/17/2026 - 19:44 The Trump administration has been working on the sale for months, but the key announcement comes as the kingdom battles Yemen's Houthis An Israeli F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft does a flyover during an air show in Tel Aviv, on 26 April 2023 (Jack Guez/AFP) Off The US State Department has…
The Trump administration plans to sell up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to a statement from the US State Department. The move, which could amount to $24.3 billion, marks the first time an Arab state gains access to the US's fifth-generation jet fighter. The sale is aimed at enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, a major non-NATO ally that promotes political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Khaled bin Salman has visited the US multiple times this summer to ensure the deal goes through. The sale has been a long time coming, with the US reviewing Israel's military edge as part of the process. The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia faces Houthi missile and drone attacks, while its allies in Yemen struggle to counter a Houthi offensive.
The sale is a setback for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had opposed selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia.
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Also reported by 8 other outlets
- Saudi Arabia, Houthis exchange blows as conflict escalates dw.com
- Qatar strongly condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia's Taif governorate thepeninsulaqatar.com
- US approves potential $24.3bn F-35 fighter jets sale to Saudi Arabia dailytimes.com.pk
- EU condemns Houthi escalation against Saudi Arabia, warns attacks undermine peace prospects english.ajel.sa
- Saudi Arabia moves closer to F-35s as US approves $24.3 billion sale israelnationalnews.com
- US approves possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia jpost.com
- Trump administration approves $24B sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia al-monitor.com
- Saudi Arabia, Houthis Exchange Blows as Conflict Escalates en.tempo.co
