The Saudi Embassy in Washington has expressed support for the proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom, highlighting it as a significant step in the enduring strategic partnership and defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The embassy stated, “The proposed F-35 sale reflects the strength and enduring nature of the Saudi-US strategic partnership and the continued advancement of our defense cooperation.” This announcement comes amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East.
The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale valued at $24.3 billion, which includes 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. The sale, which still requires congressional approval, would also encompass 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, secure communications, precision-navigation equipment, cryptographic systems, electronic-warfare support, spare parts, training systems, simulators, software, technical documentation, and logistics services.
Strengthening Defense Capabilities
The State Department emphasized that this sale would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, improve homeland defense, and bolster interoperability with U.S. forces as well as regional and NATO allies. It is expected to augment the Kingdom’s operational aircraft fleet and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
According to the State Department, the proposed sale will not alter the military balance in the region and will not adversely impact U.S. defense readiness. Saudi Arabia has been pursuing the F-35 for several years as part of its efforts to modernize its air force and counter regional threats. The Kingdom currently operates a mixed fleet of fighters, including Boeing F-15s and European-made Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The introduction of the F-35 would provide fifth-generation stealth capabilities to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
F-35 Program Overview
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed for stealth, advanced sensors, information fusion, and secure communications. The U.S. operates three variants: the F-35A, which is designed for conventional takeoff and landing; the F-35B, capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings; and the carrier-based F-35C. Saudi Arabia has requested the F-35A variant.
Currently, the F-35 is operated by the United States and a growing number of allied nations, with Lockheed Martin reporting that 20 countries are involved in the F-35 program. Over 1,355 aircraft have been delivered, accumulating more than 1 million flight hours. Among the participating nations, Israel is the only operator in the Middle East, while Japan, South Korea, and Australia are significant operators in the Indo-Pacific region.
The principal contractors for the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia would be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. The State Department has indicated that it is not aware of any proposed offset agreement related to this potential sale, which would be negotiated directly between Saudi Arabia and the contractors.
This proposed F-35 sale follows a broader expansion of U.S.-Saudi defense ties, particularly under the Trump administration, which included a historic arms package worth nearly $142 billion agreed upon in 2025. It is important to note that the State Department’s announcement is an approval of a potential Foreign Military Sale and does not indicate that the aircraft have been delivered or that a final purchase contract has been finalized. The proposal remains subject to the U.S. arms-sales process and congressional review.
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