US approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, triggering scrutiny in Washington and opposition from Israel.
The US State Department has notified Congress of its approval for a potential $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The package encompasses aircraft, military equipment, and training services.
The deal fulfills a commitment made by US President Donald Trump following agreements signed with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The proposed sale represents a shift in Washington's Middle East defense posture, as the US previously restricted advanced stealth fighter transfers to the Gulf kingdom. The transaction faces opposition from Israel and scrutiny from some US lawmakers regarding regional military balance.
Sources: Breaking Defense, Sweden Herald, BBC News, ORF, Der Standard.
How outlets assessed this
- Sep 18, 2026, 08:30 AM UTC
- 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.
- 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
- Sweden Herald — US plans $24.3 billion F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia
- Breaking Defense — US clears $24B F-35 sale for Saudi Arabia
- ORF — USA verkaufen Saudi-Arabien F-35-Kampfjets
- Der Standard — USA wollen Saudi-Arabien 48 moderne F-35-Kampfjets verkaufen
- BBC News — Why US plan to sell F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia is controversial
Earlier coverage
- Sep 18, 2026, 02:30 PM UTCUS approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia