US approves potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON — The US Department of State said on Thursday that it has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, according to a Congressional notification. The potential sale would mark the first delivery of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal for Lockheed Martin's fighter jets in early 2025 to US President Donald Trump. In November 2025, Trump had announced that Washington intended to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia. The proposed sale includes 48 F-35 aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, along with associated equipment, training and logistical support. The State Department said the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, bolster its homeland defense and improve interoperability with US and other allied forces. It added that the proposed sale would enhance the Kingdom’s air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities and would not alter the military balance in the region.