Story perspectives

State Department Approves $24.3B Saudi F-35 Jet Sale

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:36 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Congressional Review Threat

The U.S. State Department approved a $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2026.
According to the State Department, the sale will not alter the regional military balance.
The package comprises 48 F-35A jets, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, parts and gear.
Congress has a 30-day review period and could block the sale.
Overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Left

China Tech Transfer Risk

The U.S. State Department approved a $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2026.
Members of Congress, including Rep. Raja Krishnamohan Krishnamoorthi, opposed sale, warning it could give China F-35 technology and enable Saudi actions in Yemen that killed civilians.
The sale proceeds while Saudi Arabia intensifies Yemen war, where Houthi forces downed an F-15.
Congress must still approve the sale before it can proceed.

Blindspot

The sale is being considered as Saudi Arabia intensifies its war in Yemen, where Houthi forces recently shot down a Saudi F-15, killing civilians.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In June 2010, the United States approved a $6.5 billion sale of 23 F-15E fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a major arms deal. Lockheed Martin supplied the aircraft, while Pratt & Whitney delivered 23 F100-PW-229 engines, and Congress granted a 30-day review without objection in 2010. Similarly, the 2026 $24.3 billion proposal for 48 F-35A jets, Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, and spare parts faces a 30-day congressional review amid Yemen conflict concerns. If Congress blocks the deal, the United States may reassess its Middle-East arms strategy, echoing the 2010 precedent that reshaped regional military balances.

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Congressional Review Threat

The U.S. State Department approved a $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2026.
According to the State Department, the sale will not alter the regional military balance.
The package comprises 48 F-35A jets, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, parts and gear.
Congress has a 30-day review period and could block the sale.
Overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

1 / 4