Introduction
The United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, opening the way for one of the most significant proposed American military aircraft deals with the kingdom in recent years.
The US State Department approved the potential transaction on September 17, 2026. The proposed package includes 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft, along with 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts, training and other support elements. The sale still requires the next stages of the US foreign military sales process, including congressional review.
The proposed deal comes at a time of heightened security tensions across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has been facing growing regional security challenges, while Washington and Riyadh have continued to strengthen their defense relationship.
The F-35 is among the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, combining stealth characteristics, advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and networked operations. Saudi Arabia’s potential acquisition would therefore represent an important development in the country’s military modernization program.
What Is the $24.3 Billion F-35 Deal?
The proposed agreement would provide Saudi Arabia with 48 F-35 fighter aircraft and 49 associated engines, together with a range of equipment and services needed to operate and maintain the aircraft.
The estimated value of the package is approximately $24.3 billion. The figure covers more than the aircraft themselves. Major defense sales commonly include training, spare parts, maintenance support, communications equipment and other associated systems.
The US approval does not mean that all 48 aircraft have already been delivered or that the transaction has been completed.
Instead, the State Department’s decision allows the proposed sale to move forward through the formal process.
The potential agreement would involve Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, and Pratt & Whitney, which supplies the aircraft’s engines.
What Is the F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is a family of fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed primarily by Lockheed Martin.
The aircraft is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground operations, intelligence gathering and electronic warfare.
One of its most widely discussed characteristics is its low-observable or stealth design. The aircraft’s shape and materials are intended to make it more difficult for radar systems to detect and track.
The F-35 also combines information from multiple onboard sensors and external sources. This allows pilots to develop a detailed picture of the operational environment.
Another important feature is the aircraft’s ability to operate as part of a larger network. Information can be shared between aircraft and other military systems, potentially allowing forces to coordinate their operations more effectively.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants the F-35
Saudi Arabia has been seeking advanced military capabilities as part of its broader defense modernization efforts.
The kingdom operates a large fleet of American-made aircraft and has maintained a longstanding military relationship with Washington.
The potential F-35 acquisition would give Saudi Arabia access to a new generation of aircraft technology and could become a major component of its future air force.
The proposed sale also comes as regional security concerns have intensified.
Saudi Arabia has faced threats connected to conflicts involving Iran-aligned groups, including developments involving Yemen and the Red Sea region. Recent Reuters reporting has described increased Houthi activity and concerns about threats to Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and maritime routes.
These circumstances provide part of the broader security environment in which Riyadh is pursuing additional military capabilities.
A Major Step in US-Saudi Defense Relations
The proposed F-35 sale is also significant because of the longstanding defense relationship between Washington and Riyadh.
The United States has been one of Saudi Arabia’s principal suppliers of military equipment for decades.
Saudi Arabia operates various American aircraft, air-defense systems, weapons and other defense technologies.
The potential F-35 agreement would deepen that relationship by potentially introducing one of America’s most technologically advanced fighter aircraft into Saudi service.
The Trump administration has also placed considerable emphasis on strengthening arms and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that the United States and Saudi Arabia had already been pursuing a broader defense package worth approximately $142 billion announced in 2025.
The Sale Still Needs to Move Through the US Process
An important point is that State Department approval is not the same as final delivery of the aircraft.
Foreign military sales involve several stages.
After the executive branch approves a proposed sale, Congress has an opportunity to review the transaction under applicable US law.
Congressional lawmakers can raise questions or concerns about proposed arms transfers, particularly when a sale involves advanced military technology or a strategically important country.
The proposed Saudi F-35 sale therefore remains subject to further steps before aircraft can ultimately be delivered.
This distinction is important when discussing the $24.3 billion figure: it represents the estimated value of the potential transaction, not money that has already been paid for aircraft delivered to Saudi Arabia.
Why the F-35 Is So Important
The F-35 is different from traditional fourth-generation fighter aircraft because it was designed around stealth, sensor integration and networked warfare.
The aircraft can gather information from multiple sensors and present it to the pilot through an integrated system.
Its design also emphasizes reducing its radar signature.
These capabilities are intended to allow the F-35 to operate in highly contested environments.
For countries that operate the aircraft, the F-35 can become part of a broader network involving other aircraft, air-defense systems, intelligence platforms and command centers.
This makes an F-35 purchase more than simply acquiring a new fighter jet.
It can influence how a country’s air force organizes training, maintenance, communications and future military planning.
Saudi Arabia Would Join a Small Group of F-35 Operators
The potential sale is particularly notable because the F-35 remains a relatively exclusive aircraft.
Only a limited number of countries operate or are preparing to operate the fighter.
In the Middle East, Israel currently operates the F-35, making any potential Saudi acquisition strategically sensitive.
Reuters reported that the possibility of Saudi Arabia receiving the aircraft raises questions about the longstanding US policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge, or QME, in the region.
That issue is likely to receive attention during discussions surrounding the proposed sale.
Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge
US policy has historically included consideration of Israel’s qualitative military edge when Washington approves advanced weapons sales to other countries in the Middle East.
The principle is intended to ensure that Israel retains a technological and military advantage over potential regional adversaries.
A Saudi F-35 acquisition would therefore require consideration of how the aircraft’s configuration, capabilities, weapons, support arrangements and other factors affect the regional military balance.
The existence of the F-35 in Saudi Arabia would not necessarily mean that Saudi Arabia would receive identical capabilities to every other F-35 operator.
Export versions of advanced military systems can involve specific configurations and restrictions.
Nevertheless, the potential sale represents a major development because of the sophistication of the aircraft.
Concerns About China’s Relationship With Saudi Arabia
Another issue surrounding the proposed sale is Saudi Arabia’s growing relationship with China.
Saudi Arabia has expanded economic, technological and diplomatic ties with Beijing in recent years.
US officials and lawmakers have previously expressed concerns about the security implications of China’s growing involvement in the Gulf.
Reporting surrounding the F-35 proposal has highlighted concerns among US intelligence officials that Chinese access to sensitive technology could become a security issue if Saudi Arabia operates the aircraft while maintaining extensive defense and security cooperation with China.
The concern is particularly important because the F-35 incorporates highly sensitive technologies.
The United States has historically imposed strict controls around the protection and transfer of advanced military technology.
The Role of Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is the primary manufacturer of the F-35 Lightning II.
The company leads the aircraft’s development and production program, which involves an international industrial network.
A potential Saudi purchase could therefore have implications beyond the military relationship between Washington and Riyadh.
Large defense contracts support manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and supply-chain activity.
The F-35 program itself involves companies and workers across multiple US states and partner countries.
For the United States, major aircraft exports can therefore have industrial and economic dimensions in addition to their foreign-policy implications.
Pratt & Whitney Engines
The proposed package also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines.
The engine is a critical component of the F-35 because it provides the thrust required for the aircraft’s performance.
Including engines and associated equipment in the proposed package reflects the broader logistical requirements of operating a sophisticated fighter fleet.
Saudi Arabia would need not only aircraft but also maintenance infrastructure, spare parts, technical training and personnel capable of supporting the fleet throughout its service life.
That is one reason major aircraft agreements can reach values far above the basic purchase price of the airframes.
The Importance of Training and Support
Operating an F-35 requires highly trained pilots, maintenance personnel and support staff.
The aircraft uses sophisticated software, sensors and electronic systems, making training a central part of any potential acquisition.
Saudi Arabia would need to develop the infrastructure necessary to support the aircraft.
This could include specialized maintenance facilities, secure communications systems, spare-parts supply chains and training programs.
The proposed package reportedly includes communications equipment, spare parts and other support elements, illustrating the broad scope of the potential agreement.
Saudi Arabia’s Broader Military Modernization
The potential F-35 purchase should also be viewed within the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s military modernization.
The kingdom has invested heavily in modernizing its armed forces and has purchased advanced systems from the United States and other countries.
Saudi Arabia’s modernization program is connected to its broader national transformation agenda.
The kingdom has sought to develop new economic sectors, infrastructure and technology industries while also strengthening its national security capabilities.
The F-35 proposal would represent one of the most technologically significant elements of that modernization effort.
Regional Security Tensions
The timing of the proposal is also important.
The Middle East is experiencing multiple overlapping security challenges, involving Iran, Israel, Yemen, the Red Sea and other regional actors.
Saudi Arabia has traditionally sought to protect its territory and critical infrastructure while maintaining relationships with major international powers.
Recent tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement have increased concerns about threats to Saudi territory and regional shipping routes.
Reuters reported in September that Houthi forces had intensified activities affecting Saudi cities and energy infrastructure and were advancing in areas near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The broader security environment helps explain why advanced air capabilities remain important to Saudi defense planning.
The F-35 and Air Defense
The F-35 would not replace Saudi Arabia’s air-defense systems.
Instead, it could potentially complement them.
Modern military operations increasingly combine fighter aircraft with ground-based air-defense systems, radar networks, intelligence platforms and command-and-control infrastructure.
An advanced fighter can provide offensive and defensive capabilities while other systems provide additional layers of protection.
For Saudi Arabia, integrating any future F-35 fleet into its existing military infrastructure would be a major technical and organizational project.
What the Deal Could Mean for the United States
For Washington, the potential agreement has several dimensions.
First, it would strengthen a major US security relationship in the Gulf.
Second, it could generate substantial economic activity for American defense companies and suppliers.
Third, it could reinforce US influence in Saudi Arabia at a time when Riyadh is also developing relationships with other major powers.
The United States has historically viewed defense cooperation with Gulf partners as an important part of its regional strategy.
The F-35 proposal would represent a particularly high-profile example of that cooperation.
What the Deal Could Mean for Saudi Arabia
For Saudi Arabia, acquiring the F-35 could represent a major modernization of its combat aviation capabilities.
The aircraft’s stealth characteristics, sensors and networked systems could add new capabilities to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
However, the benefits of any advanced aircraft depend on training, maintenance, operational doctrine and integration with other military systems.
The purchase would therefore involve a long-term commitment rather than simply receiving a fleet of new aircraft.
Congressional Review Will Matter
The US Congress is likely to examine the proposed transaction closely.
Lawmakers have historically scrutinized arms sales to Saudi Arabia because of concerns involving human rights, regional conflicts and US foreign policy.
Reuters reported that congressional concerns related to Saudi Arabia’s record, including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, could remain relevant to the political debate surrounding major weapons agreements.
The congressional review process therefore represents an important stage before the potential sale can proceed toward implementation.
The Difference Between Approval and Delivery
News headlines about major defense deals can sometimes create confusion.
When the US government announces approval of a potential foreign military sale, it does not mean that the buyer immediately receives the equipment.
There are additional steps involving negotiations, contracts, congressional review, production schedules, training and delivery.
Aircraft production itself can take years.
The F-35 is produced through a complex international supply chain, and delivery schedules depend on production capacity and contractual arrangements.
Saudi Arabia would therefore not be expected to receive all 48 aircraft immediately even if the transaction ultimately moves forward.
Possible Long-Term Impact on Gulf Military Capabilities
If completed, the proposed sale could influence military planning across the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia would potentially possess a fifth-generation fighter capability alongside other advanced aircraft already operated by regional countries.
This could encourage neighboring states to evaluate their own air capabilities and defense requirements.
At the same time, the impact would depend on the number of aircraft eventually delivered, their configuration, available weapons, training levels and operational integration.
The F-35 alone would not determine the region’s military balance.
A Major Test for US-Saudi Relations
The potential F-35 agreement also demonstrates the continuing importance of the US-Saudi relationship.
Both countries have interests in regional security, energy markets, investment and economic cooperation.
Defense cooperation has been one of the most established parts of their relationship.
The proposed aircraft sale could strengthen that defense relationship if it progresses successfully.
However, the deal also involves complicated questions surrounding advanced technology, regional military balances and Saudi Arabia’s relationships with other global powers.
What Happens Next?
The next stages will determine whether the proposed $24.3 billion agreement becomes a completed transaction.
Congress will have an opportunity to examine the proposal.
If the necessary approvals and agreements are completed, the two sides would then proceed with contractual and implementation arrangements.
Production and delivery would follow according to the eventual schedule.
Training and infrastructure development would also be necessary before Saudi Arabia could operate the aircraft at full scale.
As a result, the significance of the September 17 announcement lies primarily in the fact that Washington has opened the way for the proposed sale to proceed.
Conclusion
The United States’ approval of a potential $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia marks a significant development in the defense relationship between Washington and Riyadh.
The proposed package includes 48 F-35 fighter jets, 49 engines and associated equipment and support, according to current reporting.
The aircraft would give Saudi Arabia access to advanced stealth, sensor and networked combat capabilities if the sale is ultimately completed.
At the same time, the proposal raises important questions about congressional review, regional military balances, Israel’s qualitative military edge and the protection of sensitive US defense technology.
The deal also comes during a period of heightened security tensions in the Middle East, making its potential consequences broader than a conventional aircraft purchase.
For now, the transaction remains a potential sale rather than a completed delivery. Its ultimate impact will depend on the congressional review, final agreements, aircraft configuration, delivery schedule and Saudi Arabia’s ability to integrate the F-35 into its wider military structure.
If completed, however, the agreement would represent a major new chapter in US-Saudi defense cooperation and one of the most significant potential expansions of F-35 operations in the Middle East.