State Department approves $24 billion sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

What This is

• The State Department approved a proposed $24.3 billion package to sell Saudi Arabia 48 F-35 fighter jets and related support, and it has been sent to Congress for review.
• The package includes aircraft plus engines, communications gear, spare parts, training, simulators, logistics support, and other related equipment.
• The deal is not final: Congress has a review period, and the sale still requires congressional approval before any contract is signed.
• U.S. intelligence and some lawmakers have warned that Saudi ties to China, including Chinese access to bases and Chinese telecom gear, could expose sensitive F-35 technology.
• Israel has raised concerns about preserving its military advantage, since Israel is currently the only regional operator of the F-35.
• The approval comes as regional tensions remain high, including intensified attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi-linked targets and around key shipping routes.

Why This Matters

• If Saudi Arabia gets F-35s, it could reshape how power and deterrence work in the Gulf and Red Sea.
• The debate tests how the U.S. balances arms sales to partners with protecting cutting-edge military technology from spying or copying.
• Israel’s worry about losing its military edge could strain U.S.-Israel coordination on regional security.
• Congress’s review will signal how much oversight lawmakers can exert over major weapons sales in a tense region.