Archive · 18 Sep 2026
US Proposes $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States wants to sell Saudi Arabia 48 advanced F-35 fighter jets.
The possible sale would cost about $24.3 billion.
The planes are difficult for radar to detect and can attack targets, collect information and fight other aircraft.
US officials say the jets would help Saudi Arabia defend itself and work more closely with American forces.
Saudi Arabia is facing attacks connected to the Houthi conflict in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to operate the F-35 if the sale goes ahead.
Some US lawmakers and officials worry that China could gain access to the aircraft’s secret technology through its relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Israel is also concerned because it currently operates the F-35 and is expected to keep a military advantage over its neighbors.
Congress has 30 days to review or try to block the proposed sale, and no delivery date has been announced.
The United States notified Congress of a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II jets to Saudi Arabia.
The package includes 49 F135 engines, communications systems, weapons-support equipment, training, software, spare parts and logistics support.
The State Department said the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defense and interoperability with US and regional forces.
Supporters say the deal could help Saudi Arabia counter threats, including Houthi missile and drone attacks from Yemen.
Critics warn Saudi ties with China could expose sensitive F-35 technology, while Israel has concerns about preserving its regional military edge.
- Who
- The United States, Saudi Arabia, US lawmakers and officials, Israel, China and the Houthi movement are central to the story.
- What
- The US State Department notified Congress of a possible sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $24.3 billion.
- When
- The proposal was announced on a Thursday; a Saudi Embassy statement cited in the reports was dated September 18, 2026. Congress has 30 days to review it.
- Where
- The proposed sale concerns Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, amid fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen.
- Why
- The US says the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s homeland defense, deterrence and cooperation with US and regional forces; critics cite technology-security and regional military-balance concerns.
Supporters of the Sale
Critics and Concerned Parties
Saudi defense and regional security
Supporters of the Sale
The US State Department and Saudi Embassy say the deal would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defense, deter threats, improve interoperability and support regional stability.
Critics and Concerned Parties
Critics point to the risk of greater regional tension and note Israel’s concern that Saudi access to the F-35 could affect Israel’s legally protected military advantage.
Protection of sensitive technology
Supporters of the Sale
US officials say the proposed sale supports American security objectives and will not alter the military balance in the region.
Critics and Concerned Parties
Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and other US defense and intelligence figures warn that China could gain access to sensitive F-35 technology through its security partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Response to Houthi attacks
Supporters of the Sale
The sale’s timing is supported by Saudi Arabia’s need to counter missile and drone threats from Houthi forces in Yemen.
Critics and Concerned Parties
The United States has not directly entered the Saudi-Houthi fighting, and concerns remain about expanding advanced weapons transfers while the conflict continues.
- Estimated value
- Approximately $24.3 billion
- Proposed aircraft
- 48 F-35 Lightning II conventional-takeoff-and-landing fighter jets
- Engines
- 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, including 48 installed and one spare
- US review process
- Congress has 30 days to scrutinize or attempt to block the sale
- Potential regional status
- Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to operate the F-35
- Principal contractors
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
- Delivery schedule
- No timeframe has been given for delivery
