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State Department Approves $24.3B F-35 Jets Sale to Saudi Arabia

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC · How we work

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Saudi Deterrence Boost

The U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2026.
Officials said the sale will not change the regional military balance and will preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge.
The package includes 48 F-35A aircraft, 49 F135 engines, training, simulators and logistics support.
The sale will boost Saudi deterrence and interoperability with U.S. forces, the State Department said.

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China Technology Threat

The U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of forty-eight F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion, on September 17, 2026.
The deal proceeds while Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen has intensified, recently killing at least five civilians, including three children.
U.S. intelligence agencies warned the sale could expose advanced jet technology to China.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi opposed the sale, citing the China technology risk.

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Saudi Deterrence Boost

The U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2026.
Officials said the sale will not change the regional military balance and will preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge.
The package includes 48 F-35A aircraft, 49 F135 engines, training, simulators and logistics support.
The sale will boost Saudi deterrence and interoperability with U.S. forces, the State Department said.

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