Saudi F-35 Deal: US Approves $24.3 Billion Fighter Jet Sale

KSA & US – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – The Saudi F-35 deal has just taken a major step forward. On Thursday, the US State Department gave the green light for a possible sale of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II jets to Saudi Arabia.

This move could change the way military power is balanced across the Middle East. It also puts pressure on a long-standing US promise to keep Israel’s edge strong over its neighbours.

Saudi Arabia has wanted these jets for years. The kingdom first made a direct request to President Trump back in early 2025.

The deal is valued at about $24.3 billion. It still needs approval from Congress before it can move ahead.

The package includes 48 fighter jets. It also comes with 49 engines made by Pratt & Whitney, plus spare parts, communication tools, and other support gear.

Israel remains the only country in the region flying F-35 jets right now. It has used them for ten years and built several squadrons.

The US has always tried to make sure Israel keeps a “qualitative military edge.” This simply means Israel gets access to better weapons than its Arab neighbours.

A sale to Saudi Arabia would test that long-held rule in a very public way.

The Saudi embassy in Washington welcomed the news. In a post on X, they called it proof of the strong and lasting partnership between the two nations.

They also said it shows how defence ties between Riyadh and Washington keep growing stronger.

The F-35 is known as one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. It uses stealth technology, which helps it avoid enemy radar.

Saudi Arabia currently flies a mix of older jets. These include Boeing F-15s along with European-made Tornados and Typhoons.

Adding F-35s would give the kingdom’s air force a serious upgrade. It would also bring Saudi Arabia’s military closer to Israel’s level of technology.

This isn’t a brand-new idea, though. Former President Joe Biden’s team once looked into offering F-35s to Saudi Arabia too.

Back then, the plan was tied to a bigger deal. Saudi Arabia would have needed to normalise relations with Israel in return.

That earlier effort eventually fell apart. Talks stalled and nothing moved forward.

Under President Trump, arms sales to Saudi Arabia have become a clear priority. In 2025, the two countries signed a massive $142 billion defence agreement.

At the time, the White House called it the biggest defence deal the US has ever made with another country.

Saudi Arabia is also chasing big goals at home. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan aims to modernise the country’s economy and military.

As part of this vision, Saudi Arabia wants to rely less on any single country for weapons. Still, it plans to keep its long-term security ties with Washington strong.

The road ahead isn’t guaranteed, though. Congress still has to approve the sale before any jets are delivered.

Lawmakers may debate how this affects Israel’s military edge. Questions could also arise about the wider impact on the region.

For now, the Saudi F-35 deal stands as one of the most significant defence moves in recent Middle East history.

If approved, it could reshape alliances, upgrade Saudi Arabia’s air power, and mark a new chapter in US-Saudi relations for years to come.