US clears possible $24.3bn F-35 sale to Saudi

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia centered on the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. The proposed transaction would provide Saudi Arabia with 48 Lockheed Martin (LMT) F-35 aircraft, one of the most advanced combat aircraft currently in U.S. service.

Beyond the aircraft themselves, the package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines and a broad range of associated systems. These cover communications and cryptographic equipment, electronic-warfare support, training systems, spare parts and logistics and support items intended to keep the fleet operational.

The State Department described the potential sale as consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. It said the transfer is aimed at improving the security of a key partner and strengthening interoperability with U.S. forces through the deployment of the same fifth-generation platform.

In its notification, the department stated that the proposed sale "will not alter the military balance in the region." This characterization reflects an assessment that the addition of Saudi F-35s would fit within the existing regional security architecture rather than transform it.

Formal notification of the possible sale has been sent to Congress, triggering a statutory 30-calendar-day review period. During this time, lawmakers are able to examine the details, raise objections, or introduce a resolution of disapproval that could block the transaction.

The approval at this stage does not guarantee that the sale will be completed, as it remains subject to this congressional oversight process and subsequent contracting steps. The State Department’s notification did not provide a timetable for delivery of the aircraft or associated equipment.

The planned transfer has already attracted criticism from some members of Congress. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi publicly opposed the sale, citing U.S. intelligence warnings that it could place sensitive F-35 technology "within reach of the Chinese Communist Party," raising concerns over potential technology leakage.

In addition to U.S. domestic debate, Israeli officials and regional commentators have expressed concern about the impact of supplying F-35s to Saudi Arabia. A central issue is whether the sale could affect Israel’s qualitative military edge, a long-standing element of regional security policy.