Trump administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump's administration has proposed a sale of 48 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $24.3 billion. The State Department stated that this proposed sale aligns with the United States' foreign policy and national security objectives, as it would enhance the security of a key non-NATO ally in the region, which is known for its political stability and economic development.

The administration emphasized that the sale would not significantly impact the military balance in the region, adhering to the long-standing US policy that Israel should maintain a military advantage over potential regional adversaries.

The announcement was made amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen, claimed on Wednesday that they had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over the city of Marib, a significant location in their ongoing conflict against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The Houthi group released video footage showing fighters in the city standing before what appeared to be the burning wreckage of a US-made F-15 fighter jet with Saudi markings.

They asserted that the aircraft was brought down using a "locally made" surface-to-air missile, which, if true, would represent a dramatic improvement in their military capabilities.

Prior to this incident, Saudi Arabia had maintained a dominant air superiority in Yemen and had heavily relied on its air strike capabilities in the neighboring country. The escalation in fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis reportedly resulted in at least five casualties on Thursday, including three children.