State Department Approves $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal that would make the kingdom the second Middle Eastern country after Israel to operate the world's most powerful combat aircraft. In a statement, the department said the proposed sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally. The approval comes after President Donald Trump first confirmed last November that he was considering the sale. Israeli officials told Axios at that time that they do not oppose the sale itself, though Israel wants the transaction attached to a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which does not appear to be on the horizon. There is also a small chance that Congress could block the sale from proceeding.

Global Impact

Geopolitically, the sale would deepen U.S.-Saudi security ties and counter Iranian and Chinese influence in the Gulf, while potentially complicating Israel's qualitative military edge. Economically, it delivers a multi-billion-dollar boost to U.S. defense manufacturers and their suppliers, with spillovers into allied subcontractors.