Archive · 18 Sep 2026
US Clears $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a possible sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
The package could cost about $24.3 billion.
It would include 48 planes, engines, spare parts and other equipment.
American officials say the sale would help Saudi Arabia defend itself and work more closely with United States forces.
Saudi Arabia says it wants the aircraft to modernize its air force and respond to regional threats.
Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35.
Critics worry that giving Saudi Arabia the jets could change the military balance and affect Israel’s advantage.
The United States Congress will now have a chance to examine the proposal.
If there are no major objections, negotiations could begin between the governments and the aircraft companies.
The United States approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
The proposed package includes 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts and support services.
The State Department said the sale would strengthen Saudi defenses, deterrence and interoperability with United States, regional and NATO forces.
The deal could shift United States policy and raise questions about Israel’s qualitative military edge in the Middle East.
Congress can review the proposal, and lawmakers’ objections could affect detailed negotiations and final approval.
- Who
- The United States, Saudi Arabia, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and the United States Congress are involved; Israel and regional opponents are relevant to the policy debate.
- What
- The United States approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The State Department announcement was reported on September 17, after President Donald Trump announced the proposed deal in November, according to the articles.
- Where
- The proposed transfer concerns Saudi Arabia and United States defense contractors, with implications for the Middle East and Gulf region.
- Why
- United States officials say the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s deterrence, homeland defense and interoperability, while Saudi Arabia seeks air-force modernization and capabilities against regional threats.
Supporters and United States officials
Critics and policy concerns
Saudi defense and deterrence
Supporters and United States officials
The State Department says the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defense, deter existing and future threats, improve air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, and increase interoperability with United States, regional and NATO forces.
Critics and policy concerns
Critics may question deeper military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and some members of Congress remain wary of arms deals with Riyadh, including after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Regional military balance
Supporters and United States officials
United States officials said the proposed sale would not alter the military balance in the region and would support stability in the Gulf.
Critics and policy concerns
The sale would represent a significant policy shift and could alter the Middle East’s military balance, particularly because Israel’s qualitative military edge is a consideration in United States weapons sales.
Strategic partnership
Supporters and United States officials
The administration presents the deal as supporting a major non-NATO ally and deepening defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, which has long sought the F-35.
Critics and policy concerns
The proposal could face congressional scrutiny, and earlier efforts linking F-35 access to Saudi normalization of relations with Israel stalled.
- Estimated value
- $24.3 billion
- Aircraft
- 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets
- Engines
- 49 Pratt & Whitney engines
- Additional equipment
- Communications equipment, spare parts and other support items
- Congressional status
- Congress has an opportunity to review the proposed sale
- Current regional operator
- Israel is described as the only Middle Eastern country currently possessing the F-35 system
- Principal contractors
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
