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    US State Department Approves $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

    Section editor: ·Low7 articles covering this·6 news sources·Updated 2 hours ago·MENA
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    Infographic detailing the $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, including key players and regional implications.

    What happened

    The US State Department approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35A fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

    The Context

    • Strategic Shift: This sale marks a significant policy shift toward deeper US-Saudi defense ties, enhancing Saudi security capabilities against regional threats.
    • Regional Dynamics: Saudi Arabia aims to modernize its air force and counter Iran, while the deal raises concerns about maintaining Israel's military edge.
    • Congressional Review: Congress has a 30-day window to review and potentially block the transaction, reflecting bipartisan concerns over technology risks.

    The Number

    $24.3 billion

    — This estimated value of the proposed F-35 sale package underscores the scale of military investments shaping regional power balances.

    Takeaway

    As the congressional review unfolds, the implications of this deal will likely influence air power dynamics and security perceptions across the Gulf.

    7 Articles
    Financial Times

    Trump administration approves $24bn sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

    The Trump administration has approved a significant arms deal involving the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $24 billion. This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about the potential ...

    Al Jazeera

    Trump administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

    The Trump administration has approved the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval, as Riyadh seeks military support in its ongoing conflict with Yemen's Houthis.

    Al Jazeera

    Trump administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

    The Trump administration has approved the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval, as Riyadh seeks military support in its ongoing conflict with Yemen's Houthis.

    Bloomberg

    US to Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia in $24.3 Billion Deal

    The U.S. State Department has informed Congress of its intention to sell Saudi Arabia up to 48 F-35 warplanes in a deal potentially valued at $24.3 billion. This marks the first sale of the Lockheed Martin Corp. fighter jets to the Kingdom, a develop...

    Saudi Gazette

    US approves potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia

    The US Department of State has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking the first delivery of these advanced aircraft to the Kingdom. This decision follows a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia...

    10 hours ago
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    Saudi Gazette

    US approves potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia

    The US Department of State has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking the first delivery of these advanced aircraft to the Kingdom. This decision follows a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia...

    10 hours ago
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    Al-Monitor

    US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

    The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant arms deal amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly related to the Iran conflict. This approval was announced by the State Depa...

    10 hours ago
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    Al-Monitor

    Trump administration approves $24B sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

    The Trump administration has approved a $24 billion sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision first announced in November 2025 during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. This sale is pending Congressional approval ...

    12 hours ago
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    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...

    12 hours ago
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