Saudi Arabia has for years sought to acquire F-35 fighter jets, but Israeli officials have raised concerns over the potential sale to Riyadh. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the advanced aircraft, while Saudi Arabia has been pursuing efforts to normalise relations with Israel.
The US State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats by enhancing its homeland defence capabilities and interoperability with US forces.
According to the department, the deal would also expand Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft fleet and improve its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence capabilities.
The State Department has notified the US Congress of the proposed sale, which requires approval from lawmakers. The department did not specify when the aircraft could be delivered.
The department said the proposed F-35 sale would not change the military balance in the region, consistent with Washington’s longstanding policy of ensuring that Israel maintains a military edge over potential regional adversaries.
The United States has so far authorised F-35 sales primarily to its closest allies, including several European NATO members and Israel.
Washington removed NATO member Türkiye from the F-35 programme in 2019 after Ankara acquired a Russian air defence system. The purchase raised US concerns that Russia could gain access to sensitive technology associated with the aircraft.
