US Approves $24 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The U.S. State Department approved a $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval. The deal includes restrictions on modifications and has raised concerns about potential Chinese access to sensitive technology, though the U.S. maintains it will not upset the regional military balance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia for $24 billion.
- Congressional approval is required to finalize the deal.
- Jets will have restricted modification capabilities.
- U.S. cites regional deterrence and coordination as reasons for sale.
- Concerns exist over potential Chinese access to F-35 technology.
- Sale aims to reassure Israel about regional military balance.
The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 48 F-35A fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $24 billion. The deal now requires approval from Congress to be finalized. Under the terms of the agreement, the jets delivered to Riyadh will have certain components removed, preventing Saudi Arabia from independently modifying their systems. Washington stated the sale is intended to bolster the kingdom's deterrence and defense capabilities amid escalating conflict with the Houthis, and to improve operational coordination with U.S. and NATO forces.
The State Department also sought to reassure Israel, asserting that the transaction would not disrupt the regional military balance. They further assured that the sale would not impact U.S. military readiness or necessitate additional American personnel deployment in Saudi Arabia. However, the sale has raised concerns within U.S. intelligence circles, with officials citing the risk of China gaining access to sensitive F-35 technologies through espionage in Saudi Arabia or via existing military ties between China and the kingdom.
This sale represents a significant upgrade to Saudi Arabia's air capabilities, as the fifth-generation F-35 has, until now, been exclusively operated by Israel in the Middle East.
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