dexinwin WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026— The United States has approved a potential sale of up to 48 F-35A fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal estimated at $24.3 billion, marking a major step toward Riyadh acquiring the advanced stealth aircraft.
The U.S. State Department announced the approval on Thursday and notified Congress of the proposed transaction. The package includes the F-35 aircraft, 49 F135 engines, training, logistics, communications equipment and other support. The deal still faces a congressional review process and has not yet become a finalized delivery contract.
A Major Upgrade for Saudi Arabia
The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing version of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, improve homeland defense and increase interoperability with U.S., regional and NATO forces.
Saudi Arabia has long sought access to the F-35. If the transaction is completed, the kingdom would become the first Arab country to operate the aircraft and the first Gulf state to receive the U.S.-built stealth fighter.
Deal Still Requires Congressional Review
Despite the State Department's approval, the proposed sale is not final. Congress has a statutory review period during which lawmakers can examine and potentially block the transaction.
The State Department has estimated the value of the package at up to $24.3 billion, although the final quantity, configuration and price could change during negotiations. The department has not announced a delivery timetable.
The sale is expected to receive close scrutiny because of the F-35's highly sensitive technology and Saudi Arabia's expanding defense relationship with countries outside the traditional U.S. alliance network.
Israel's Military Advantage
The proposed sale also has implications for Israel's longstanding military advantage in the Middle East.
Israel is currently the only country in the region operating the F-35. The U.S. government said the proposed Saudi transaction would not alter the military balance in the region, reflecting Washington's longstanding policy of maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge over potential regional adversaries.
Israeli officials have previously expressed concerns about transferring the aircraft to Saudi Arabia, although Israel had not issued a detailed public response to the latest announcement at the time of reporting.
Concerns Over Sensitive Technology
The F-35 deal has also raised questions in Washington about the protection of sensitive U.S. military technology.
U.S. intelligence concerns reported this week focused on Saudi Arabia's expanding cooperation with China and the possibility that Beijing could gain access to sensitive information associated with the aircraft.
Some members of Congress have therefore questioned whether adequate safeguards would be in place before the jets are transferred. The State Department said proposed defense sales are reviewed under U.S. law, including considerations related to protecting American military technology.
Part of a Broader Defense Relationship
The F-35 proposal comes amid a broader expansion of U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation. Washington has approved several other military sales to Riyadh this year, including weapons, tank engines and precision-guidance equipment.
For Saudi Arabia, acquiring the F-35 would represent a significant modernization of its air force. For the United States, the proposed transaction would deepen defense ties with a major Gulf partner while placing additional emphasis on technology protection and regional military balance.
The next major step will be congressional review. Until that process is completed, the $24.3 billion F-35 package remains a proposed sale rather than a completed transfer.
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