US approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has cleared a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, fulfilling a key commitment made by Donald Trump.
The US State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35A stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The proposed defense package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, associated military equipment, maintenance support, and training services.
The clearance fulfills a commitment originally made by former US President Donald Trump. However, the potential transaction remains subject to congressional review and final negotiations before any binding agreement is signed.
The proposed deal has drawn scrutiny over regional security balances, with Israel previously voicing opposition to transferring advanced stealth aircraft to the Gulf kingdom. Additionally, defense observers noted the high overall valuation compared to earlier regional stealth fighter proposals.
Sources: Breaking Defense, France24, La Tribune, Opex360, ORF.
How outlets assessed this
- BBC News Cautious Framed the deal as a controversial policy shift raising significant concerns among US congressional members.
- ORF Skeptical Emphasized the sale's progress despite explicit diplomatic protests from Israel.
- Sep 18, 2026, 02:30 PM UTC
- Opex360 Skeptical Emphasized the high price tag of the proposed deal, framing the total cost as potentially prohibitive for Riyadh.
- La Tribune Supportive Framed the approval as a major milestone allowing Saudi Arabia into an elite group of stealth fighter operators.
Sources
- Breaking Defense — US clears $24B F-35 sale for Saudi Arabia
- ORF — USA verkaufen Saudi-Arabien F-35-Kampfjets
- Opex360 — Les États-Unis proposent 48 chasseurs-bombardiers F-35A à l’Arabie saoudite… à un prix dissuasif
- La Tribune — F-35 : Premier feu vert à une vente à l’Arabie saoudite
- France24 — US approves $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia
Earlier coverage
- Sep 18, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCUS approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia