US backs $24.3B Lockheed Martin F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department approved a potential sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The proposed deal carries an estimated value of $24.3 billion and marks a major shift in US defense policy in the Middle East.

The package includes 48 military aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines made by RTX, alongside communications equipment, spare parts, and support services. Saudi Arabia made a direct request for the aircraft to President Donald Trump in early 2025. The purchase would provide the kingdom with two squadrons of the stealth jet.

The transfer may face congressional review over regional balance and human rights concerns. Washington assesses arms sales to preserve Israel's qualitative military edge, as Israel has operated the F-35 for a decade and remains the sole Middle Eastern operator of the stealth platform.

Saudi Arabia currently flies Boeing F-15s as well as European Tornado and Typhoon fighters. The transaction follows a broader defense package of nearly $142 billion agreed between Washington and Riyadh in 2025 as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 modernization agenda.