US approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth an estimated $24.3 billion, a move that could reshape the military balance in the Middle East and test Washington’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”

The proposed sale, announced on September 17, still requires approval from the US Congress. It would include 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts and other support items, Reuters reports.

Saudi Arabia has sought the advanced fighter jets for years and made a direct request to US President Donald Trump in early 2025. Riyadh has renewed its push for the aircraft as it seeks to modernise its air force and respond to regional security threats, particularly from Iran.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington welcomed the proposed sale, describing it as another step in defence cooperation between the two countries.

“The proposed F-35 sale reflects the strength and enduring nature of the Saudi-U.S. strategic partnership and the continued advancement of our defence cooperation,” the embassy said on X.

The F-35 is a stealth aircraft designed to reduce its detectability by enemy radar and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets. Israel has operated the aircraft for about a decade and remains the only Middle Eastern country currently equipped with the system.

US arms sales to Middle Eastern countries are subject to considerations over Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” a policy intended to ensure that Israel retains military advantages over other countries in the region.

A Saudi acquisition of the F-35 would therefore represent a significant shift in US defence policy toward Riyadh and could raise questions about how Washington would maintain Israel’s military advantage while supplying the kingdom with the advanced aircraft.

Saudi Arabia, the largest customer for US arms, operates a mixed fleet that includes Boeing F-15s as well as European Tornado and Typhoon fighters. The kingdom has been pursuing broader military and economic modernisation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda.

The F-35 issue has also been linked to wider US-Saudi-Israeli diplomacy. The administration of former US President Joe Biden had explored the possibility of supplying F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of a broader agreement that would have included Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Those efforts ultimately stalled.

Trump has made closer defence ties with Saudi Arabia a priority since returning to office. In 2025, Washington agreed to an arms package for Riyadh worth nearly $142 billion, which the White House described as “the largest defence cooperation agreement” the United States had ever concluded.

The proposed F-35 sale could face scrutiny in Congress. US lawmakers previously challenged arms agreements with Saudi Arabia following the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and some members of Congress remain cautious about expanding military cooperation with Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has also sought to diversify its defence partnerships while maintaining its long-standing security relationship with Washington. The proposed F-35 purchase would deepen that relationship while supporting Riyadh’s broader effort to modernise its armed forces.

By Sabina Mammadli