Key facts
- The US State Department approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
- The proposed sale includes up to 48 F-35 aircraft.
- Israel opposes the sale, citing concerns about its military edge.
- Lawmakers worry Saudi Arabia could share sensitive F-35 technology with China.
- The Saudi embassy stated the proposed F-35 sale reflects the strength of the Saudi-U.S. strategic partnership.
The US State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that could shift the regional military balance. The proposed sale, which requires Congressional notification and faces a 30-day scrutiny period, has drawn opposition from Israel, which fears it could compromise its military edge. The US has historically supplied F-35s to Israel, which is guaranteed under US law to receive superior American weaponry compared to regional neighbors. Some US lawmakers and defense officials have also voiced concerns that Saudi Arabia might share the stealth technology with China, a partner country. The State Department stated the deal aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives, enhancing the security of a key non-NATO ally crucial for regional stability and economic progress. The Saudi embassy in the US stated that Washington's recent plan to sell F-35 warplanes is a reflection of the "strength and enduring nature" of their partnership.