The United States State Department has formally approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of up to 48 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, in an estimated $24.3 billion deal. The notification was submitted to Congress on September 17 and includes support equipment, training, and logistics packages, but does not specify accompanying weapons systems.
The approval follows a Strategic Defense Agreement signed between Washington and Riyadh in November 2025 and years of negotiations, marking a shift from Washington’s previous reluctance to export its advanced jets to Arab states. The State Department stated the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and security objectives by improving interoperability and homeland defence for a major non-NATO ally, while arguing it will not alter the regional military balance.
The deal still requires final congressional approval, and lawmakers are expected to review the costs and regional security implications. Saudi Arabia has sought F-35 access for years as part of a military modernisation push amid tensions across the Gulf and its war against Yemen’s Houthi movement, though it remains unclear where the jets would be manufactured.