The United States has approved a plan to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a major defence deal worth about $24 billion.
The decision marks a change in Washington’s approach to one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. Saudi Arabia has wanted to buy the F-35 for years, but the US had been cautious about giving the jets to the kingdom.
The F-35 uses stealth technology that makes it harder for enemy radar systems to detect. The aircraft is made by US defence company Lockheed Martin, with each F-35A costing about $82.5 million.
The proposed deal must still go through a review period in Congress. US lawmakers have 30 days to examine the agreement and could try to stop it.
Some members of Congress have already raised concerns. Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi warned that selling the aircraft to Saudi Arabia could expose highly sensitive US military technology to China.
Other lawmakers and US defence officials have also questioned whether Saudi Arabia could share information linked to the aircraft with Beijing. Their concerns are linked to the growing security relationship between Saudi Arabia and China.
The US State Department, however, said the sale would support American foreign policy and national security goals. It also said the agreement would strengthen the security of Saudi Arabia, which Washington considers an important partner in the Gulf.
The deal also has implications for Israel. Under US policy, Israel is guaranteed access to advanced American weapons that help it maintain its military advantage over other countries in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s planned purchase would give it a fleet of F-35s similar in size to Israel’s current fleet of 50 aircraft. Israel has already announced plans to buy another squadron, which would increase its F-35 fleet to 100.
The proposed sale comes as Saudi Arabia remains involved in the conflict in Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi movement controls large areas along the Red Sea coast.
The agreement also follows closer ties between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders have held several high-level meetings, including talks on defence and economic cooperation.
