US State Department Approves Potential Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at up to $24.3 billion, the department informed Congress on Thursday. The proposed deal includes the 48 aircraft, 49 engines, and associated communications equipment, spare parts, and support materials. The State Department stated the sale would enhance Saudi Arabia's deterrence capabilities against current and future threats and bolster the Royal Saudi Air Force's ability to cooperate with regional forces and NATO. The department also noted Saudi Arabia's contributions to political stability and economic development in the Persian Gulf region.
The potential sale has raised concerns in Israel, which also operates several squadrons of F-35s. Israeli security officials reportedly expressed worries that selling these advanced aircraft to Saudi Arabia could disrupt the military balance in the region and compromise the qualitative military edge of the Israel Defense Forces.
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