The United States has cleared the way for a potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia worth $24.3 billion, with the State Department approving the proposed transfer of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment. The deal still requires congressional approval and could have implications for the military balance in the Middle East.
According to a report by Reuters, the proposed package includes 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, communications equipment, spare parts and other support. The State Department has notified Congress, which must review the proposed sale.
What Happened
The State Department approved the potential sale on September 17, 2026, after Saudi Arabia had sought access to the advanced U.S.-made fighter jets for more than a year.
Saudi Arabia first made a direct request for the aircraft to President Donald Trump in early 2025. Trump later announced that his administration intended to allow the kingdom to purchase F-35s.
The proposed transaction is now moving into the congressional review process. Approval by the State Department does not mean the sale has been finalized.
Key Details of the F-35 Sale
48 F-35 Fighter Jets
The proposed sale covers 48 conventional-takeoff-and-landing F-35 Lightning II aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The package also includes 49 F135 engines produced by Pratt & Whitney, with 48 engines intended for installation and one spare. Additional equipment includes secure communications and navigation systems, electronic warfare support, spare parts, training equipment, software and logistical support.
The estimated value of the complete package is $24.3 billion.
Congressional Approval Still Required
The State Department has notified Congress of the potential foreign military sale. Lawmakers have an opportunity to review the transaction before it can proceed.
Reuters reported that congressional approval remains a key step, meaning the State Department’s decision does not guarantee that the aircraft will ultimately be delivered to Saudi Arabia.
If approved, delivery would also take several years rather than occurring immediately.
Saudi Arabia Could Become First Arab F-35 Operator
Israel currently operates the F-35 in the Middle East. If the Saudi transaction is completed, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to operate the aircraft.
The F-35 is a stealth fighter designed for advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its transfer to Saudi Arabia would therefore represent a significant expansion of the kingdom’s access to advanced U.S. military technology.
Regional Security and Israel’s Military Edge
The proposed F-35 sale raises questions about Washington’s longstanding policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge over potential regional adversaries.
The State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, improve its homeland defense and increase interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. It also stated that the transaction would not alter the military balance in the region.
Israel has historically opposed the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Arab states because of concerns about maintaining its technological and military advantage in the region.
China and Technology Security Concerns
The proposed F-35 sale also comes amid growing Saudi economic and security ties with China.
U.S. officials and lawmakers have previously raised concerns about protecting sensitive F-35 technology when dealing with countries that maintain significant relationships with Beijing. Saudi Arabia has expanded cooperation with China in areas including technology and defense.
The State Department said foreign military sales undergo legal and strategic reviews intended to protect U.S. military technology and national security interests.
Broader US-Saudi Defense Relationship
The F-35 proposal is part of a broader expansion of U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation under the Trump administration.
The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a much larger defense framework in 2025, with the Trump administration placing increased emphasis on arms sales and strategic cooperation with Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has also sought to modernize its military as part of its broader national development strategy and amid continuing security tensions across the Middle East.
The proposed F-35 acquisition would give Riyadh access to one of the most advanced fighter platforms produced by the United States.
What Happens Next
Congress must now review the proposed $24.3 billion transaction. The timing and outcome of that review will determine whether the F-35 sale moves forward.
If approved, Saudi Arabia would eventually receive 48 aircraft along with engines, training, communications equipment, maintenance support and other components included in the proposed package.
The F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia could become an important test of U.S. policy toward advanced weapons transfers in the Middle East. Its eventual implementation would affect the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship while raising questions about regional military capabilities, Israel’s qualitative military edge and the protection of sensitive American defense technology.
Related Reading
Senate Advances Landmark Cryptocurrency Legislation
Trump’s GOP Convention Plans Draw Attention Amid NFL Ratings Battle
FAQs
The proposed sale is valued at approximately $24.3 billion and includes 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 engines and related equipment and support.
No. The State Department has approved the potential sale, but Congress must still review the proposed transaction.