U.S. Clears $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
Washington approves a potential sale of 48 advanced fighter jets to Riyadh, opening the next stage of a closely watched defense deal.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The proposed package includes 48 F-35A aircraft, 49 engines, communications equipment, spare parts and support. The decision clears a major step in the process, but the deal is not yet final and remains subject to congressional review.
The United States has moved closer to supplying Saudi Arabia with one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, potentially reshaping the kingdom's military capabilities and adding another major dimension to Washington's security relationship with Riyadh.
The U.S. State Department announced on September 17 that it had approved the potential sale of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a package estimated at $24.3 billion. The approval is an important procedural step, but it does not mean the aircraft have already been sold or delivered. 1
What Saudi Arabia Is Set to Receive
The proposed package includes 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, the conventional takeoff and landing version of the aircraft.
The deal also covers 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, along with communications equipment, spare parts, software, support equipment, training and other related services. The additional engine provides one spare beyond the 48 aircraft. 2
The final price and exact quantities can change during negotiations, meaning the $24.3 billion figure represents the estimated value of the potential package rather than a completed final contract. 3
Why the F-35 Matters
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter designed around stealth, advanced sensors, data sharing and networked operations. Its capabilities are intended to allow pilots to detect and engage threats while reducing the aircraft's visibility to enemy systems.
Saudi Arabia already operates advanced Western aircraft, including U.S.-made F-15s and European fighter aircraft. Adding the F-35 would nevertheless represent a significant expansion of the kingdom's access to advanced stealth and sensor technology. 4
For Riyadh, the aircraft would also deepen interoperability with U.S. forces and other partners that operate or support the F-35 ecosystem.
Congress Still Has a Role
The State Department's approval does not complete the transaction. The proposed sale must go through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process and has been formally submitted for congressional review.
Congress has a 30-day period to review the notification. Lawmakers can attempt to block an arms sale through a joint resolution of disapproval, although such a measure would face additional constitutional and procedural hurdles. 5
Even if the sale proceeds, negotiations over the final terms, production and delivery would take time. The announcement therefore represents the beginning of another stage rather than the immediate arrival of F-35s in Saudi Arabia.
Israel's Military Advantage Is Part of the Debate
The proposed sale is particularly sensitive because Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35. Israel flies a customized version known as the F-35I Adir.
U.S. law requires Washington to take Israel's qualitative military edge into account when approving major arms sales to other countries in the region. Israeli officials have previously expressed concerns about the potential transfer of F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia. 6
The U.S. State Department, however, said the proposed equipment and support would not alter the military balance in the region. 7
China Is Another Security Concern
The proposed transfer also comes amid scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's expanding relationship with China. U.S. intelligence officials have reportedly raised concerns that sensitive F-35 technology could potentially be exposed to Beijing through espionage or Saudi military ties with China. 8
These concerns are about the protection of highly sensitive technology and should not be interpreted as an allegation that Saudi Arabia intends to transfer F-35 technology to China.
The issue illustrates the wider challenge surrounding advanced weapons exports: Washington must balance defense partnerships and arms sales with concerns over technology security and the relationships that buyers maintain with other major powers.
Why Washington Is Moving Forward
The State Department said the proposed sale would support U.S. foreign-policy and national-security objectives by strengthening Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, regional partners and NATO forces.
The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia faces a more complicated regional security environment, including the continuing conflict involving Iran and its allies and attacks affecting the Gulf and Red Sea region. Recent fighting has increased pressure on countries across the region to strengthen their air-defense and military capabilities. 9
For Washington, the deal also reinforces a long-standing security relationship with one of the most important U.S. partners in the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia Has Wanted the F-35 for Years
Riyadh's interest in the F-35 is not new. Saudi Arabia has pursued the aircraft for years as part of its broader effort to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its air capabilities.
President Donald Trump announced in November 2025 that the United States would allow Saudi Arabia to purchase the aircraft. The latest State Department decision turns that earlier political commitment into a formal stage of the Foreign Military Sales process. 10
A Major Defense Deal Still Has a Long Road Ahead
The $24.3 billion announcement is significant, but several steps remain before Saudi Arabia could actually receive the aircraft. Congressional review, negotiations, final contracting, production and delivery all remain part of the process.
The eventual configuration of the Saudi aircraft will also matter. The F-35 is a highly controlled weapons system, and differences in software, equipment, support arrangements and operational capabilities can affect what individual customers receive.
The deal therefore represents more than the purchase of 48 aircraft. It is also a test of how Washington manages advanced military technology while maintaining relationships with multiple partners in an increasingly competitive Middle East.
The United States has cleared an important hurdle for Saudi Arabia's long-running effort to acquire the F-35, but the $24.3 billion deal is not finished yet. The next stages will determine whether Riyadh ultimately receives the aircraft and what safeguards accompany one of America's most sensitive military technologies.
