US Approves $24bn F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Security Concerns

The Trump administration has formally approved the sale of nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in US defense policy that has triggered apprehension among certain members of Congress. The proposed $24 billion (£17.8bn) deal includes 48 Lockheed Martin-manufactured stealth aircraft, placing Riyadh on a similar technological footing with its key regional ally, Israel.

Washington had previously resisted such sales, citing legal obligations to ensure Israel maintains qualitative military superiority over its neighbors. However, the State Department stated on Thursday that the transaction supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering a major non-NATO ally that promotes stability and economic progress in the Gulf region. Officials asserted that the sale would not alter the regional military balance.

Congress now has a 30-day window to review or potentially block the agreement. Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois voiced strong opposition, warning that the transfer could expose the “crown jewels” of American military technology to the Chinese Communist Party. Other Democratic legislators and defense officials have echoed these concerns, suggesting that Riyadh might share sensitive F-35 data with China under their growing security partnership.

The deal comes shortly after the proposed sale of 48 jets would bring Saudi Arabia’s fleet to parity with Israel’s current 50 F-35s. Nevertheless, Israel recently approved the procurement of an additional F-35 squadron, which would double its fleet to 100 aircraft according to the Jerusalem Post. Each F-35A jet is valued at approximately $82.5 million.

The agreement strengthens the bond between President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited the White House in November 2025 and previously sealed a historic $142 billion arms deal in Riyadh earlier that year. Questions about US arms sales to Riyadh have persisted since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the Biden administration had earlier floated the possibility of F-35 sales linked to Israeli normalization talks, which ultimately stalled.

Additionally, the sale is set against the backdrop of ongoing conflict between Saudi forces and Houthi militants in Yemen. Sources indicate that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally urged Trump to take military action against the Houthis, who recently captured significant portions of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, though Trump has declined direct US military involvement thus far.