The United States has approved a significant arms deal involving the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion, according to the US State Department. The transaction, which marks a substantial enhancement of military ties between Washington and Riyadh, is pending Congressional approval.
The State Department emphasized that the sale would bolster Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in deterring threats, improving air defense, and enhancing coordination with US military forces. Officials assured that the deal aligns with the American policy of maintaining Israel’s military advantage in the Middle East, asserting that it would not disrupt the regional power balance.
Saudi Arabia has long been interested in acquiring the advanced F-35 aircraft, a model currently operated in the Middle East exclusively by Israel. This pursuit has previously been met with apprehension from Israel due to concerns over the implications of such sales to Riyadh.
This proposed sale is part of a broader pattern of US arms agreements with Saudi Arabia, which have included the provision of bombs, tank engines, and precision rocket system equipment. The latest deal, however, is expected to undergo rigorous examination in Congress, especially concerning the protection of sensitive US military technology and in light of Saudi Arabia’s expanding relations with China.