The Trump administration has approved a major arms sale valued at $24.3 billion, authorizing the export of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The package, announced Thursday by the State Department, also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines and additional spare parts. This decision arrives as Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have intensified attacks on Saudi targets and launched ground offensives aimed at controlling the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global oil choke point.
According to the State Department, the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by bolstering the defense capabilities of a major non-NATO ally that serves as a stabilizing force in the Gulf region. The administration stated that while the deal would enhance Riyadh’s ability to deter current and future threats, it would not alter the regional military balance, maintaining the longstanding U.S. policy that Israel retain qualitative military superiority over potential adversaries in the Middle East.
The announcement has already triggered political opposition in Congress, which now has a 30-day window to review or block the transaction. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, strongly criticized the move, citing intelligence community warnings that the sale could expose sensitive American military technology to the Chinese Communist Party.
“We must not sell our most advanced fighter jet anywhere the CCP may be able to get its hands on the technology inside it,” Krishnamoorthi said in a social media statement, arguing that the U.S. should not proceed with the deal given these security risks.
Lawmakers have historically scrutinized arms deals with Riyadh, including concerns raised after the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The F-35 Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is considered the world’s most advanced stealth fighter aircraft.
Stabilizing force or not, this feels like massive escalation right when regional tensions are already boiling over. Very concerning timing.
China accessing F-35 tech would be a nightmare scenario. Hope Krishnamoorthi’s warnings carry enough weight in that 30-day review window.
Is it really just about the Houthis, or is this another way to keep Saudi Arabia firmly in our strategic orbit against Iran?
The Khashoggi precedent keeps coming back. Why do we keep handing over our most advanced weapons without real consequences?
$24 billion for stealth jets? I just want to know how Congress plans to block this if they really care about the tech leak risks.