U.S. approves military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for up to 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and associated equipment, a move Washington says would bolster the security of a major non-NATO ally and enhance regional stability.

According to the government announcement, the package includes 48 conventional takeoff-and-landing F-35s and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines—48 installed and one spare—along with a broad suite of support items. Those range from secure communications, precision navigation and cryptographic devices to electronic warfare database support, cartridge/propellant actuated devices, training systems and simulators, spare parts and consumables, software and technical documentation, and U.S. government and contractor logistics and engineering support.

U.S. officials said the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, strengthen homeland defense, and increase interoperability with U.S., regional, and NATO forces. The package is described as augmenting the kingdom’s operational fleet and enhancing both air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities. The State Department also said the transfer would not alter the military balance in the region and that Saudi Arabia is expected to integrate the equipment without difficulty.

The principal contractors would be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, which builds the F-35, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines in East Hartford, Connecticut, which manufactures the F135 engine. No offset arrangements have been identified at this stage; any such agreements would be negotiated between Saudi Arabia and the contractors. Implementation is not expected to require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be assigned to the kingdom.

As with all major U.S. arms deals, the approval triggers a congressional review period during which lawmakers can raise objections. The notification does not constitute a final contract; terms can change during negotiations, and the sale must clear any legislative hurdles before moving to a formal Letter of Offer and Acceptance.

If completed, the acquisition would give Saudi Arabia its first fleet of fifth-generation stealth fighters. The kingdom currently operates advanced fourth-generation aircraft, including F-15 variants and Eurofighter Typhoons. The State Department framed the proposal as aligned with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, citing Saudi Arabia’s role in Gulf political stability and economic progress.