US State Department approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia
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The United States has formally cleared the way for a potential $24.3 billion sale of advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking the kingdom’s first acquisition of the stealth aircraft.
On Thursday, the State Department notified Congress of its determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale.
The package covers 48 F-35 aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing capability, plus 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (48 installed and one spare), along with secure communications equipment, electronic warfare support, spare parts, training, and logistics.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in its official notification.
Officials stated the deal would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, bolster homeland defense, and improve interoperability with US, regional, and NATO forces.
It would also enhance the kingdom’s air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities while augmenting its operational aircraft fleet.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces,” the department added.
The notification emphasized that the proposed sale “will not alter the military balance in the region” and would have “no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.”
Principal contractors are Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines in East Hartford, Connecticut.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s November 2025 announcement of intent to sell F-35s to Riyadh as part of a broader strategic defense partnership with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia was designated a major non-NATO ally around that time.
Delivery timelines remain years away, pending final congressional review and contracting.
Reuters reported the approval comes as Saudi Arabia has been drawn deeper into regional conflicts.
Congress now has the opportunity to review the proposed sale.
If no major objections arise, the path will open for detailed negotiations between the US government, Lockheed Martin, and Saudi authorities on this landmark first-time transfer of fifth-generation fighters to the kingdom.
