U.S. Approves Potential Sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The package, which has been notified to Congress, has an estimated value of $24.3 billion.

In addition to the 48 F-35s, the proposed package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, communications systems, spare parts and various support equipment. If the process is completed, Saudi Arabia will acquire an F-35 fleet for the first time. The sale remains subject to the completion of the U.S. congressional review process.

The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would support Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities, while stating that the agreement would not alter the basic military balance in the region.