The State Department authorized the potential sale of up to 48 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Saudi Arabia, a deal valued at $24.3 billion that includes support equipment and training. The agreement fulfills a commitment made by President Donald Trump last year under a Strategic Defense Agreement. Lockheed Martin manufactures the aircraft, while RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney produces the 49 F135 engines included in the package.
What it means
The authorization initiates a 30-day congressional review period during which lawmakers hold the power to block the transaction. The State Department stated that the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and will not alter the military balance in the region. Lockheed Martin said the agreement exemplifies “shared commitment to enduring security, stability, and long-term cooperation.”
The deal would allow Saudi Arabia to join a club of 20 international operators of the F-35. The United Arab Emirates has also expressed interest in acquiring the fighter. President Trump previously floated similar offers for India and Turkey, though Turkey was ejected from the F-35 program after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system. Terms of the Saudi deal are not final, with prices and quantities subject to fluctuation.
The sale has drawn scrutiny regarding the transfer of stealth jet technology. The New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence warned the sale could give Beijing access to sensitive technology, and some lawmakers have publicly raised concerns. The F-35 has been used heavily by the United States and Israel during recent conflicts; one Air Force F-35A was hit by ground fire over Iran, though the pilot landed safely. Pratt & Whitney referred questions about the engine supply to the Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office.
Key facts
- Sale value: up to $24.3 billion
- Aircraft count: up to 48 F-35A jets
- Engines included: 49 F135 units
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin (aircraft); Pratt & Whitney (engines)
- Congressional review period: 30 days
- International operators of F-35: 20 countries
- Deal status: terms not final; prices and quantities can fluctuate
Source: U.S. State Department foreign military sales announcement