Jakarta, ThedailyID — The United States has approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets worth US$24.3 billion to Saudi Arabia.
The US State Department approved the deal on Thursday, September 17, 2026. However, the sale still requires approval from the US Congress.
“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its territorial defense and improving interoperability with US forces,” the State Department said, reported on Friday, September 18.
The package includes 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft and related equipment. Reuters also reported that the package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines.
The US said the deal would expand Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft fleet. It would also improve the kingdom’s air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
Washington has notified Congress about the proposed sale. However, the State Department has not announced when the jets could be delivered.
Saudi Arabia has sought access to the F-35 for years. Israel has previously expressed concern about the possible sale because it remains the only Middle Eastern country operating the stealth fighter.
The US said the proposed deal would not alter the regional military balance. Washington has maintained a policy of preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge over other countries in the region.
The F-35 has so far been supplied to close US allies, including Israel and several NATO members. The US removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara purchased a Russian air defense system.
The proposed deal also comes amid a series of US arms agreements with Saudi Arabia. Earlier in September, Washington approved the potential sale of more than 10,000 bombs worth about US$5 billion, according to the source material.
The US also approved a US$750 million sale involving 60 tank engines and related equipment this month. In July, Washington approved a separate US$1.96 billion deal involving components for systems that can convert rockets into precision-guided weapons.
The F-35 agreement comes as Saudi Arabia faces security concerns linked to regional conflicts. Reuters reported that Riyadh is seeking to modernize its air force while strengthening its ability to respond to regional threats, including Iran.
The proposed sale is part of the US Foreign Military Sales process. Major arms transfers require congressional notification and, in cases such as this, can remain subject to congressional review before completion.
