Washington: The US State Department has approved a possible USD 24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, along with engines, electronic warfare equipment, training and logistics support, according to a notification sent to Congress on Thursday.
The package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, cryptographic equipment and other support services. The State Department said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a major non-NATO ally and supporting stability in the Gulf.
The department said the deal would not alter the military balance in the region and would not require additional US government or contractor personnel in Saudi Arabia.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, based in East Hartford, Connecticut, would be the principal contractors.
Under US law, members of Congress have 30 calendar days from the formal notification to review or object to the proposed sale before the administration can finalise the deal.
The approval comes as Saudi Arabia faces increased security concerns over Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen. Three sources familiar with the matter said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week sought military assistance from US President Donald Trump as the Houthis stepped up their threat to the Red Sea.
Trump held at least two phone conversations with the Saudi leader last Thursday but did not agree to US strikes against the Houthis, according to the sources. Washington instead told Riyadh it would provide intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.
A senior US administration official said Washington remained in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, adding that the United States was focused on protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea while supporting regional partners in addressing security challenges.
