US Approves $24.3 Billion F-35 Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States Department of State approved a potential $24.3 billion foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia for 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines. Announced on September 18, 2026, the package includes electronic warfare support and maintenance training intended to bolster Saudi deterrence against Iran and Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The approval follows internal warnings from U.S. intelligence agencies, including the United States Defense Intelligence Agency, which cautioned that the sale could expose sensitive stealth and radar technology to China. Reports highlight risks stemming from Saudi Arabia's existing security partnerships with Beijing and the presence of Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment in Saudi infrastructure. These concerns mirror those that led the previous administration to cancel a similar sale to the United Arab Emirates.

Administration officials maintain the sale supports national security objectives and will not alter the regional military balance or erode Israel's mandated qualitative military edge. The deal, first announced by President Donald Trump in November 2025, was submitted to congressional committees in June for informal approval. Congress now has 30 days to review or attempt to block the transaction.