The United States State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, clearing a major hurdle for the kingdom while drawing intense scrutiny over regional military balances and potential technology risks involving China.
The Trump administration has asked lawmakers to clear the massive defense package, which includes 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, communications equipment, spare parts, software, and additional support gear, according to official statements. For Riyadh, the announcement marks a significant step in a long-standing effort to acquire the advanced fifth-generation fighter jets built by US defense giant Lockheed Martin.
President Donald Trump originally announced in November 2025 that the US would sell the jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of a White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Crown Prince Mohammed has sought the aircraft for years to upgrade the kingdom's military capabilities. Previous discussions under the prior US administration had also explored providing the jets as part of broader negotiations over a security arrangement and potential normalization talks with Israel, though those efforts stalled following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing military campaign in Gaza.
Strategic Justifications and Regional Dynamics
Defending the decision, the State Department emphasized that the package aligns with broader foreign policy goals. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region, the agency said in a statement.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense and improving interoperability with US forces and other regional and NATO forces.
Photo: ch10.co.il
US State Department
The timing of the announcement intersects with escalating conflict in the region. Recent fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Iran-backed Houthis has intensified, with the Houthis claiming to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib using a locally made surface-to-air missile. While Saudi Arabia has long enjoyed relative air superiority in Yemen, the kingdom has unsuccessfully sought a more direct US role in its conflict with Houthi forces, as Washington maintains it will not directly intervene.
To address concerns from regional partners, the administration asserted that the transaction will not alter the military balance in the region, preserving the longstanding US policy that Israel must maintain a qualitative military edge over potential adversaries. Israel remains the only country in the Middle East currently operating the F-35, and Israeli officials have previously voiced concerns over expanding the platform to Riyadh.
Congressional Hurdles and Chinese Espionage Concerns
Despite executive approval, the transaction must navigate the formal US Foreign Military Sales process, including a 30-day congressional review period. Lawmakers retain the power to seek a block on the sale by passing a joint resolution of disapproval, though such a move would face a likely presidential veto requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override.
Photo: al-monitor.com
A primary obstacle in Washington centers on concerns over security and potential espionage involving China. Intelligence analysts have warned that Beijing could potentially gain access to sensitive F-35 technology through espionage inside Saudi Arabia or via the kingdom's growing military relationship with China.
Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, voiced direct opposition to the agreement on those grounds, arguing that the deal should not proceed while intelligence warnings suggest advanced American military technology could be placed within reach of the Chinese Communist Party.
Further complicating the geopolitical landscape, Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense agreement known as the Mecca Agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye, signaling the kingdom's intent to pursue security arrangements that rely less exclusively on Washington.
What Lies Ahead for the Multi-Billion-Dollar Deal
As the package moves to Capitol Hill, lawmakers and international observers will monitor the congressional review window closely. If the agreement survives the legislative phase without a successful veto-proof resolution of disapproval, Saudi Arabia stands to become the first Arab nation to integrate the F-35 into its armed forces.
Trump says he will approve sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
Whether the jet configurations will include the same capabilities operated by Israel, and how Washington will police intelligence firewalls against external espionage risks, remain the defining questions as the defense agreement advances.
Trump Will Allow Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia | Balance of Power 11/17/2025
