U.S. Approves Potential $24.3B Saudi F-35 Sale

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, including Pratt & Whitney engines, weapons-related systems, training, software and logistical support. The proposal still requires congressional review and comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to modernize its air force and counter threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Washington says the sale would strengthen a major non-NATO ally, improve homeland defense and interoperability with U.S. forces, and preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge. Saudi Arabia welcomed the proposal as evidence of its strategic partnership with the United States, while Israel’s position and conditions related to possible normalization remain significant factors. U.S. lawmakers and intelligence officials remain concerned that Saudi Arabia’s growing security relationship with China could expose sensitive F-35 technology to espionage. The deal could therefore face congressional opposition despite the administration’s view that it would improve regional deterrence and stability.