US Approves Potential Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential deal to sell 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a significant step in a transaction valued at approximately $24.3 billion. This approval does not finalize the sale but moves it forward in the official process. The package includes the 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 engines, communication systems, spare parts, support equipment, and related services.

According to the U.S. State Department, the deal is not expected to alter the military balance in the region. However, the sale is notable as Saudi Arabia would become the second country in the Middle East, after Israel, to operate the advanced F-35 fighter jet. Israel currently operates the F-35I "Adir" variant, a version customized for its needs, with 75 aircraft on order.

Reports suggest the Saudi F-35s may be less advanced than the Israeli version. Israel was permitted to integrate electronic warfare systems, jamming capabilities, and weapons developed domestically into its F-35s, features that may not be included in the Saudi package. This development comes as Turkey, a former partner in the F-35 program, was excluded after purchasing the Russian S-400 air defense system, raising concerns about the F-35's technological security.

While former President Donald Trump had indicated a willingness to reconsider F-35 sales to Turkey under certain conditions, the deal faced obstacles in Congress and from Israel. The approval for Saudi Arabia occurs amid heightened U.S.-Saudi security ties and Riyadh's involvement in the conflict with the Houthis. Washington maintains that this sale will not compromise its commitment to preserving Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.