The United States has given preliminary approval for a significant arms sale to Saudi Arabia, involving 48 advanced F-35 fighter jets valued at $24.3 billion. This move signifies a major step in the ongoing military partnership between Washington and Riyadh, although it still awaits the green light from Congress.
The U.S. State Department has emphasized that the acquisition will bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities, particularly in deterring regional threats and enhancing air defense systems. Additionally, the deal is expected to improve interoperability with U.S. military forces. Officials have assured that the sale will maintain the existing military balance in the Middle East, adhering to U.S. policy aimed at ensuring Israel’s qualitative military edge over regional adversaries.
Saudi Arabia’s ambition to purchase F-35 jets has been longstanding. Currently, Israel is the only Middle Eastern nation operating these stealth fighters, and it has historically expressed concerns over the potential sale of similar aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
This proposed transaction is part of a broader pattern of U.S. arms agreements with Saudi Arabia, including deals involving significant quantities of bombs, tank engines, and precision-guided rocket systems. However, the F-35 sale is anticipated to face scrutiny in Congress, particularly due to apprehensions about safeguarding sensitive U.S. military technology amidst Saudi Arabia’s expanding relations with China.