WorldPolitics
U.S. approves $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval. Israeli officials have raised concerns about the sale.
The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. State Department announced on Thursday (September 17, 2026). The sale is pending Congressional approval and is described as a significant boost to Saudi Arabia's forces.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to buy F-35s. Israel is the only country in the region that operates the jets, and Israeli officials have voiced concern about their sale to Riyadh despite a push for the kingdom to normalise relations.
In a statement, the State Department said the proposed sale would improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense and improving interoperability with U.S. forces. It also said the sale would augment Saudi Arabia's operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
- US F-35 stealth fighter jets
- Saudi F-35 jets
- Israel F-35 stealth fighter jets
- US-Saudi F-35 jets sale
From
WorldPolitics
U.S. approves $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval. Israeli officials have raised concerns about the sale.
The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. State Department announced on Thursday (September 17, 2026). The sale is pending Congressional approval and is described as a significant boost to Saudi Arabia's forces.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to buy F-35s. Israel is the only country in the region that operates the jets, and Israeli officials have voiced concern about their sale to Riyadh despite a push for the kingdom to normalise relations.
In a statement, the State Department said the proposed sale would improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense and improving interoperability with U.S. forces. It also said the sale would augment Saudi Arabia's operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
- US F-35 stealth fighter jets
- Saudi F-35 jets
- Israel F-35 stealth fighter jets
- US-Saudi F-35 jets sale
From