By AZE.US
The United States has approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia in a package valued at $24.3 billion. The proposed deal is not yet final and may face congressional scrutiny.
The State Department cleared Riyadh to purchase 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, secure communications systems, spare parts and maintenance equipment, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.
The package would proceed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. State Department approval allows the proposal to move forward, but it does not itself constitute a signed contract or guarantee that the aircraft will be delivered.
Middle East Military Balance
If completed, the deal would make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to acquire the F-35. Israel is currently the only operator of the fifth-generation fighter in the Middle East.
The proposed sale could therefore test Washington’s longstanding commitment to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge. Major U.S. arms transfers to Arab states are traditionally assessed against that requirement.
Saudi Arabia has sought access to the F-35 for several years. The requested 48 aircraft would amount to roughly two squadrons. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently operates U.S.-made F-15s as well as European Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
The State Department said the sale would strengthen the security of a key U.S. partner outside NATO and improve interoperability between Saudi forces and American and regional allies. Some lawmakers, however, may seek additional oversight because of the sensitivity of F-35 technology and previous disputes over U.S. military cooperation with Riyadh.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Yemen. Saudi authorities said debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed one person and injured two others in Taif province. The Houthis denied Riyadh’s claim that they had attempted to strike Mecca. U.S. officials have not publicly linked that incident to the approval of the aircraft sale.
AZE.US