US approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia

On Thursday, the US Department of State announced the approval of a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The deal, which includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, and spare parts, follows a direct request made by the kingdom to US President Donald Trump in early 2025. This decision reflects a shift in US policy, intended to bolster Saudi Arabia's defensive capabilities against regional threats, including ongoing conflicts with Houthi rebels in Yemen, while improving interoperability with US forces.

The proposed sale is subject to final approval by the US Congress, which has already received notification from the State Department. While the Biden administration previously authorized a separate $5 billion sale of over 10,000 bombs to Riyadh earlier this month, the F-35 deal faces scrutiny from some lawmakers concerned about the potential leakage of sensitive stealth technology to China. Furthermore, the sale tests Washington’s long-standing policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in the Middle East. The State Department asserts that the deal will not shift the regional military balance, though the long-term delivery timeline spans several years.