US approves potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

Terms of the proposed aircraft transfer

On 17 September 2026, the US Department of State formally notified Congress of an approved potential sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia. The proposed transaction, valued at approximately 24.3 billion dollars (21.2 billion euros), follows an initial framework announced by President Donald Trump late last year. The equipment package includes 49 Pratt and Whitney engines, electronic communications hardware, spare parts, and military training programs. Under United States statutory requirements, federal lawmakers must review and approve the agreement before final contracts proceed. Due to existing production backlogs, actual aircraft deliveries are expected to span multiple years.

“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region.”

Regional hostilities and maritime security

The arms package notification comes during widening military activity across the Middle East. Following the start of military operations against Iran by the United States and Israel in February 2026, Saudi territory has faced repeated missile and drone attacks. In Yemen, a ceasefire in place since 2022 collapsed in July 2026 when Houthi forces initiated a fresh offensive and declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The rebel group struck tankers in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea shipping corridors, contributing to crude oil prices rising above 100 dollars per barrel. Saudi officials confirmed a civilian fatality and two injuries on Thursday from debris following a drone interception, while an American military task force assists Saudi personnel with operational planning and intelligence sharing.

“They don't want to fight with us.”

Congressional scrutiny and espionage concerns

The proposed sale faces opposition in the US Congress, where lawmakers and intelligence analysts have questioned the transfer of fifth-generation stealth technology. Intelligence assessments reported by US media raised concerns that critical aviation technology could be accessed by China through Beijing's commercial and technological ties with Riyadh. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, formally cautioned that the transaction presents risks to national security. Israeli officials, whose military currently operates the only F-35 fleet in the Middle East, previously expressed reservations regarding the deal during discussions over diplomatic normalization. Technical specialists also point to the high maintenance requirements and operational complexity of the airframe.

Diplomatic reactions and European procurement

The Saudi embassy in Washington welcomed the notification, stating that the agreement reflects the endurance of bilateral defense cooperation and contributes to shared regional security. State Department officials stated the aircraft would increase Saudi operational readiness for air-to-air and air-to-ground defense while maintaining Israel's qualitative military standing. Meanwhile, international procurement of the F-35 platform continues across allied nations. On 18 September 2026, Lockheed Martin delivers the first two fighter jets from Germany's 2022 order of 35 aircraft to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Fort Worth, Texas. The remaining 33 German aircraft are scheduled for phased delivery through 2029.

Saudi Arabia proposed sale48

Germany total order35

Germany remaining delivery33

Germany initial delivery2

Saudi Arabia proposed sale

48 aircraft

Germany total order

35 aircraft

Germany remaining delivery

33 aircraft

Germany initial delivery

2 aircraft

Data from the article text