The United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in defence ties. The proposal still faces congressional review before the two countries can finalise the deal.
The State Department announced the approval on Thursday as the kingdom faces growing involvement in conflict across the Middle East.
The package includes 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines. It also covers communications equipment, spare parts and other support items.
Saudi Arabia directly requested the jets from President Donald Trump in early 2025, following years of interest in the aircraft. The proposed purchase would give Riyadh roughly two squadrons of advanced stealth fighters.
Saudi embassy welcomes proposed deal
The Saudi embassy in Washington welcomed the announcement as another step in the countries’ defence partnership.
“The proposed F-35 sale reflects the strength and enduring nature of the Saudi-US strategic partnership and the continued advancement of our defence cooperation,” the embassy said on X.
The proposed F-35 sale reflects the strength and enduring nature of the Saudi-U.S. strategic partnership and the continued advancement of our defense cooperation.
For decades, Saudi-U.S. security cooperation has contributed to regional stability, strengthened our collective… https://t.co/IOurlYEcbl
— Saudi Embassy USA (@SaudiEmbassyUSA) September 18, 2026
Saudi Arabia, the largest customer for American arms, wants the aircraft to modernise its air force and counter regional threats.
Its existing fighter fleet includes Boeing F-15s, European Tornados and Typhoons. Adding F-35s would introduce advanced stealth capabilities designed to make aircraft harder for enemy radar systems to detect.
However, approval would not mean immediate delivery. Axios reported that the first aircraft would take several years to reach Saudi Arabia, even if the deal proceeds.
Israel’s military edge comes into focus
The proposed sale could reshape regional military capabilities and test Washington’s commitment to preserving Israel’s “qualitative military edge”.
That policy guides American weapons sales across the Middle East, seeking to maintain Israel’s military superiority over potential regional adversaries.
Israel has operated F-35s for around a decade and built multiple squadrons. It remains the only Middle Eastern country operating the aircraft, widely regarded as among the world’s most advanced fighter jets.
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A Saudi acquisition would therefore represent a significant shift in American policy towards supplying advanced aircraft to Arab partners.
The issue also carries diplomatic weight. Former president Joe Biden’s administration explored supplying F-35s within a broader agreement involving Saudi normalisation with Israel. Those negotiations ultimately stalled.
Defence ties expand under Trump
Trump has prioritised Saudi arms sales since returning to office, signalling support for deeper military cooperation with Riyadh.
In 2025, Washington agreed to sell the kingdom an arms package worth nearly $142 billion. The White House described it as “the largest defence cooperation agreement” Washington had ever concluded.
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The proposed F-35 purchase also aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 programme, which includes economic and military modernisation.
Riyadh has pursued wider defence partnerships while preserving its longstanding security relationship with Washington. Congressional scrutiny now represents the next major stage for the proposed fighter sale.
