US Clears Potential Sale of F-35 Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday its approval of a potential sale of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that could significantly alter the military balance in the Middle East. This potential deal, valued at approximately $24.3 billion, includes 48 aircraft, 49 engines produced by Pratt & Whitney, and associated communication equipment, spare parts, and support materials. The sale is seen as a test of Washington's commitment to maintaining Israel's "qualitative military edge" in the region. Saudi Arabia had directly requested the advanced fighter jets from then-President Donald Trump in early 2025, expressing interest in the Lockheed Martin-produced aircraft.

The proposed transaction still requires approval from the U.S. Congress. Washington typically reviews arms sales to the Middle East with the aim of ensuring Israel retains its qualitative military edge, which generally means Israel receives more advanced U.S. weaponry than Arab nations. The Saudi Embassy in Washington welcomed the proposed deal, calling it a further step in defense cooperation between the two countries. The embassy stated via X that the proposed sale "reflects the strength and continuity of the Saudi-American strategic partnership and the continuous progress in our defense cooperation."