Proposed sale still requires congressional approval before the $24.3 billion deal can be finalised

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved the potential sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal estimated at $24.3 billion, marking a significant development in Washington’s defence relationship with Riyadh.

The US Department of State said Thursday that it had approved the proposed sale, which still requires congressional approval before it can move forward.

The package would include 48 F-35 fighter aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts and other logistical and support services.

The proposed deal could have wider implications for the military balance in the Middle East, particularly because of Washington’s longstanding policy of ensuring that Israel maintains its “qualitative military edge” over other regional powers.

Saudi Arabia Seeks Advanced Fighter Capability

Saudi Arabia has pursued the F-35 for years as part of efforts to modernise its air force and strengthen its ability to respond to regional security threats.

The kingdom currently operates a diverse fleet that includes US-made F-15s as well as European Tornado and Typhoon fighter aircraft.

The renewed push for the F-35 comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump has signalled an interest in expanding defence cooperation with Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Washington welcomed the proposed sale, calling it another step in the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries.

The embassy said on X that the proposed F-35 agreement reflected the “strength and enduring nature” of the Saudi-US strategic partnership and the continued development of defence cooperation.

Potential Impact on Israel’s Military Edge

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft featuring stealth technology designed to reduce its detectability by enemy radar and other sensors.

Israel has operated the aircraft for about a decade and is currently the only country in the Middle East to have the F-35 in its military inventory.

US arms sales to countries in the region are therefore closely examined in relation to Washington’s policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge.

If approved, the Saudi acquisition would represent a major expansion of the F-35’s presence in the Middle East and could prompt further discussion in Washington and the region over advanced weapons transfers.

F-35 Deal Linked to Broader US-Saudi Relations

The proposed fighter sale also comes amid broader efforts to strengthen US-Saudi relations.

During former President Joe Biden’s administration, US officials explored the possibility of providing Saudi Arabia with advanced military capabilities as part of a wider agreement that would have included Saudi normalisation of relations with Israel. Those efforts did not ultimately produce an agreement.

Trump has made closer defence and economic ties with Saudi Arabia a priority since returning to office.

In 2025, Washington agreed to an arms package with Riyadh valued at nearly $142 billion, which the White House described as the largest defence cooperation agreement in US history.

Saudi Arabia’s Military Modernisation

The F-35 request forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader military modernisation strategy under Vision 2030, the kingdom’s economic and development programme led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Riyadh has also sought to diversify its defence relationships while retaining its longstanding security partnership with Washington.

The proposed F-35 sale now moves to the next stage of the US arms-sales process, with congressional approval still required before the agreement can be finalised.