Archive · 19 Sep 2026
US-Saudi $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale Faces Israel China Concerns
The United States wants to sell Saudi Arabia 48 advanced F-35 fighter jets.
The proposed package would cost $24.3 billion and include engines, equipment and support.
Saudi Arabia says it needs stronger defenses because of attacks linked to the Houthis in Yemen.
Israel is concerned because it is currently the only Middle Eastern country with access to the F-35.
The United States says the sale would not weaken Israel’s military advantage.
Some US lawmakers worry that China could gain access to the jets’ secret technology through Saudi Arabia.
The United States Congress has 30 days to review the proposal.
The deal is not final until that review is completed.
The United States approved a proposed $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
The package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, support equipment and other related items.
The sale still faces a 30-day review by the United States Congress, which could attempt to block it.
Supporters say the deal would strengthen Saudi Arabia against regional threats and deepen US-Saudi defense ties.
Critics warn it could challenge Israel’s military advantage and expose sensitive F-35 technology to China.
- Who
- The United States administration, Saudi Arabia, Israel, China and members of the United States Congress are central to the proposal.
- What
- The United States approved a proposed sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion.
- When
- The administration approved the proposal before the reported 30-day congressional review period; no delivery timeline was provided.
- Where
- The proposal concerns military cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia, amid security concerns in the Gulf and Yemen.
- Why
- The United States says the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia against threats and support regional security, while critics cite risks to Israel’s military advantage and sensitive technology reaching China.
Supporters of the Sale
Critics of the Sale
Saudi security and regional stability
Supporters of the Sale
The United States Department of State says the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, support stability in the Gulf and advance US security interests.
Critics of the Sale
Critics question whether expanding Saudi Arabia’s advanced military capabilities is worth the broader regional risks, particularly its potential effect on Israel’s military advantage.
Impact on Israel
Supporters of the Sale
The United States administration says the transfer would not alter the regional military balance and that Israel would retain its qualitative military edge.
Critics of the Sale
The sale would give Saudi Arabia a fleet comparable in size to Israel’s current F-35 fleet, making congressional scrutiny of Israel’s advantage likely.
Risk to sensitive technology
Supporters of the Sale
Supporters emphasize stronger defense ties with Saudi Arabia and the benefits to the United States defense industry.
Critics of the Sale
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and other critics warn that Saudi Arabia’s growing relationship with China could allow Beijing to obtain sensitive F-35 technology through espionage or cooperation.
- Proposed value
- $24.3 billion
- Aircraft
- 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets
- Engines
- 49 Pratt & Whitney engines
- Congressional review
- 30 days
- Saudi security concern
- Renewed drone and missile attacks linked to the Houthis in Yemen
- Israel’s current fleet
- About 50 F-35 aircraft
- Broader US-Saudi defense package
- Saudi Arabia agreed to purchase $142 billion in US military equipment and services during Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May 2025