WASHINGTON—The US State Department has approved the potential sale of up to 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, in a deal estimated to be worth $24.3 billion. The transaction still requires review by the US Congress.
The package includes 48 F-35A conventional takeoff and
landing aircraft, as well as 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, secure
communications equipment, electronic warfare systems, spare parts, training,
simulators, software, technical documentation, and logistical support.
The State Department formally notified Congress of the
proposal. Under US law, lawmakers have 30 calendar days to review the
transaction and, if necessary, raise objections before it can be formalized.
The deal would represent Saudi Arabia's first acquisition of
F-35s and one of the largest US arms sales to the kingdom. Israel is currently
the only country in the Middle East operating this aircraft model.
The potential transfer of the F-35s has also drawn attention
in Washington due to its security implications and the US policy of preserving
Israel's so-called "qualitative military edge" over other countries
in the region.