US State Department Approves Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The U.S. State Department has approved a $24.3 billion deal to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval. The sale includes specific technological limitations to maintain the regional military balance.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- US State Department approved sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
- The deal is valued at approximately $24.3 billion.
- Congressional approval is still required for the sale.
- The F-35s will have technological limitations to preserve regional balance.
- The sale was initially announced by former President Trump.
The U.S. State Department announced Thursday its approval of a major arms deal potentially worth $24.3 billion for the sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin to Saudi Arabia. The deal, which also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communication equipment, spare parts, and support items, still requires approval from the U.S. Congress.
The proposed sale was initially announced by former President Donald Trump in November of the previous year, shortly before he hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. The State Department emphasized that the sale, if completed, would not alter the regional military balance.
This assurance is based on standard U.S. policy for advanced arms sales to Gulf nations. It involves technological adjustments, ensuring the F-35s sold to Saudi Arabia will not include the full technological capabilities or electronic warfare packages reserved for the most advanced models used by the Israeli Air Force. Additionally, operational restrictions and strict oversight, including limitations on maintenance and software control, will be implemented.
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