US approves $24.3B sale of 48 F‑35 jets to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department has authorized a $24.3 billion purchase of 48 F‑35 stealth jets for Saudi Arabia, marking the kingdom’s largest arms acquisition since the Iran war began. The sale aims to bolster Saudi air defense and interoperability with U.S. forces, though it has raised concerns in Isr…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United States has formally approved a $24.3 billion purchase of 48 F‑35 stealth fighters for Saudi Arabia, the State Department announced on Thursday. The deal represents the kingdom’s most substantial arms acquisition since the escalation of the Iran war in February 2026 and is the first time the U.S. has cleared a sale of the advanced aircraft to a Middle Eastern country outside of Israel.
What the sale means for Saudi Arabia
The F‑35 is a fifth‑generation fighter that combines stealth, advanced sensors and network‑centric warfare capabilities. By adding 48 of the jets to its fleet, Saudi Arabia will significantly strengthen its air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground self‑defense, the State Department said. The jets will also improve the kingdom’s ability to coordinate with U.S. forces, a factor that is especially important as Washington works to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi troops amid the ongoing conflict with Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Regional reactions and concerns
Israel, the only other Middle Eastern nation that operates the F‑35, has expressed worry that the sale could shift the balance of air power in the region. Israeli officials have repeatedly urged the U.S. to keep the jets out of Saudi hands, citing the kingdom’s close ties to Tehran and the potential for technology leakage. The sale comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has been targeted by Iranian‑backed drone and missile strikes, as well as attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels who have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.
Within Washington, the deal has drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, warned that the sale could put “the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party.” He cited concerns that Chinese firms might acquire F‑35 technology through Saudi partnerships, a possibility that has prompted the U.S. to restrict the program to a narrow set of allies, including NATO members and Israel.
Context of U.S. F‑35 sales policy
Since the 2010s, the United States has maintained a strict policy limiting F‑35 sales to a handful of close allies. The policy was reinforced in 2019 when Washington removed Turkey from the program after Ankara purchased a Russian air‑defence system that could compromise the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. The U.S. has also expressed concerns about Chinese espionage related to the jets, prompting a careful vetting process for any new buyer.
Saudi Arabia’s purchase follows a string of large‑scale arms deals this year. Earlier in September, the State Department approved a $5 billion sale of more than 10,000 bombs, including 2,000‑pound high‑explosive weapons. In July, the U.S. cleared a $1.96 billion deal for guidance sections that convert rockets into precision weapons, and the kingdom also acquired 60 tank engines and related equipment for $750 million.
Next steps and unresolved questions
The State Department has notified Congress of the proposed sale, which now requires legislative approval. No delivery timeline has been provided, and it remains unclear how quickly the jets will be operational. The U.S. also stated that the sale would not alter the regional military balance, a statement that echoes the long‑standing policy of maintaining Israel’s air superiority over potential adversaries.
As the conflict with Iran and the Houthi rebels continues, the timing of the F‑35 delivery could influence future military planning in the region. The U.S. has not yet entered the conflict directly, but a military task force is reportedly working to bolster Saudi intelligence capabilities. Whether the new jets will be deployed in a defensive capacity or used to support U.S. operations remains to be seen.
In summary, the U.S. approval of the F‑35 sale to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern arms dynamics, raising both strategic benefits for Riyadh and concerns about technology security and regional stability.
Key facts
- U.S. clears $24.3 billion sale of 48 F‑35 jets to Saudi Arabia
- The deal aims to boost Saudi air defense and interoperability with U.S. forces
- Israel and some U.S. lawmakers express concerns over technology transfer to China
- Saudi Arabia has already purchased billions of dollars worth of bombs and precision weapons this year
- The sale requires congressional approval and no delivery timeline has been set
Why it matters
The approval of the F‑35 sale signals a deepening U.S.–Saudi defense partnership and could alter the balance of power in a region already strained by Iranian influence and Houthi insurgency. It also highlights ongoing debates over technology security and the limits of U.S. arms exports.
Frequently asked questions
Why has the U.S. historically limited F‑35 sales to a few allies?
The U.S. restricts F‑35 sales to maintain a technological edge, prevent potential adversaries from acquiring advanced stealth capabilities, and mitigate espionage risks, especially from countries like China.
What impact could the F‑35 sale have on regional security?
The jets could strengthen Saudi air defense against Iranian and Houthi threats, improve coordination with U.S. forces, and potentially shift the regional military balance, raising concerns among neighboring countries.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “US Approves $24. 3 Billion Sale of 48 F-35 Stealth Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran War and Regional Tensions”
