US approves proposal to sell 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a possible proposal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia worth $24.3 billion. If the deal is finalised, Riyadh will receive 48 advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.

However, the sale has not yet been finalised. The proposal must go through the congressional review and approval process.

The package includes 48 fighter jets, along with 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts and other support.

The F-35 is a stealth-technology fighter jet. Because of this technology, it is difficult for enemy radar to detect the aircraft.

Currently, only Israel possesses this fighter jet in the Middle East. The country has been operating F-35s for nearly a decade.

Saudi Arabia has been trying to purchase F-35s for a long time. In early 2025, the country directly expressed its interest in buying the fighter jet to US President Donald Trump. Riyadh said the F-35 is needed to modernise its air force and address regional security threats.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington has welcomed the proposed sale. The embassy said it is another step in the long-standing strategic partnership and defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States.