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    Saudi Arabia Moves Forward with $24.3 Billion F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with US

    Section editor: ·Low3 articles covering this·3 news sources·Updated 15 days ago·World
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    Infographic illustrating the $24.3 billion F-35 deal and its implications for US-Saudi defense relations.

    What happened

    On September 17, 2026, the US State Department approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

    The Context

    • Strategic Partnership: The deal underscores the long-standing defense collaboration between the US and Saudi Arabia, aimed at enhancing regional stability.
    • Regional Tensions: This sale comes amid rising threats from Iran-backed groups, making advanced military capabilities crucial for Saudi Arabia.
    • Congressional Review: The proposed sale is subject to a 30-day congressional review, where opposition is anticipated, particularly concerning technology security.

    The Number

    $24.3 billion

    — This is the estimated total cost of the proposed F-35 sale package, highlighting the significant financial commitment involved in modernizing Saudi Arabia's air force.

    Takeaway

    As the congressional review unfolds, the outcome of this deal could influence military alliances and defense strategies across the Gulf region.

    3 Articles
    Okaz

    سفارة السعودية بواشنطن: صفقة F-35 تجسد قوة الشراكة الاستراتيجية مع أمريكا

    The Saudi Embassy in Washington has confirmed the approval of a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that this deal reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Th...

    رؤيا نيوز

    تفاصيل موافقة واشنطن على بيع مقاتلات F-35 للسعودية وموقف الكونغرس

    The U.S. Department of State officially approved a deal on Thursday for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in U.S.-Saudi defense relations. This approval comes amid ongoing discussions regarding military coopera...

    RT Arabic

    واشنطن توافق على صفقة محتملة لبيع مقاتلات "إف-35" للسعودية بـ24.3 مليار دولار

    The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential deal to sell military equipment to Saudi Arabia, which includes the advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment, amounting to $24.3 billion.