The United States Department of State has approved the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets worth $24.3bn to Saudi Arabia, Reuters reports.
The proposed deal includes 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts and other support equipment, the State Department said on Thursday.
The deal could mark a major shift in US policy and potentially alter the military balance in the Middle East.
It could also test Washington’s long-standing commitment to preserving Israel’s “qualitative military edge” over other countries in the region.
Saudi Arabia has sought to acquire the F-35 for years as part of efforts to modernise its armed forces and strengthen its ability to respond to regional threats, particularly from Iran.
The kingdom made a direct request for the aircraft to US President Donald Trump in early 2025.
The F-35 is a stealth fighter designed to evade enemy detection and is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Israel has operated the aircraft for about a decade and remains the only country in the Middle East currently flying the F-35.
US arms sales to Middle Eastern countries are generally assessed against Washington’s policy of ensuring that Israel retains a qualitative military edge.
Saudi Arabia currently operates a mixed fleet that includes US-made Boeing F-15s as well as European Tornado and Typhoon fighter jets.
The proposed F-35 purchase would give Riyadh two squadrons of the advanced aircraft.
Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of the F-35 has also featured in wider diplomatic efforts involving Israel.
The administration of former US President Joe Biden previously considered providing the jets as part of a broader agreement under which Riyadh would normalise relations with Israel.
Trump has made closer defence ties and arms sales to Saudi Arabia a priority since returning to office.
In 2025, Washington agreed to a nearly $142bn arms package for Riyadh, which the White House described as the largest defence cooperation agreement in US history.
Congress may scrutinise sale
The proposed F-35 deal could face scrutiny in the US Congress.
US lawmakers previously questioned arms sales to Saudi Arabia following the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with some members remaining cautious about expanding military cooperation with Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia is pursuing major economic and military reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 programme.
The kingdom has also sought to diversify its defence partnerships while maintaining its longstanding security relationship with Washington.
REUTERS.
