The United States has sanctioned a significant arms agreement involving the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $24.3 billion. This deal, which aims to bolster Saudi defense capabilities, still awaits approval from the US Congress.
The US State Department underscored that the transaction would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter regional threats, improve air defense systems, and foster stronger interoperability with US forces. However, the department assured that the deal aligns with the US policy of maintaining Israel’s military edge in the Middle East, ensuring that the regional power balance remains unchanged.
Saudi Arabia has long expressed interest in acquiring the F-35 jets, a sophisticated piece of military technology that only Israel currently operates in the region. The potential sale has previously been met with apprehension from Israel, concerned about the implications for its strategic military advantage.
This proposed sale is part of a broader series of US arms agreements with Saudi Arabia, which include transactions involving thousands of bombs, tank engines, and precision rocket system equipment. These deals highlight the deepening military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.
The F-35 agreement is poised to undergo rigorous examination by Congress, where lawmakers are likely to raise issues about safeguarding sensitive US military technologies. Additionally, there is ongoing scrutiny over Saudi Arabia’s expanding relations with China, which could further influence congressional deliberations.