The US State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35A stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, advancing a key defense commitment of the Trump administration. While Riyadh welcomes the deal to counter escalating attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the transaction faces a 30-day congressional review. Lawmakers and intelligence officials warn that the sale could expose sensitive US military technology to China, while others raise concerns over preserving Israel's qualitative military edge.
F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia
- ▪The United States State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of up to 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, valued at up to $24.3 billion.
- ▪The proposed F-35 fighter jet sale is part of a broader expansion of United States-Saudi defense ties under the Trump administration, which included a $142 billion arms package committed in 2025.
- ▪The Saudi Embassy in Washington publicly welcomed the proposed F-35 sale, stating it reflects the strength of the Saudi-United States strategic partnership and advances defense cooperation.
China technology acquisition concerns
- ▪United States intelligence officials warned that China could acquire sensitive F-35 fighter jet technology through espionage or its military and security partnership with Saudi Arabia.
- ▪A Pentagon intelligence report recommended restricting F-35 technology storage sites in Saudi Arabia to United States and Saudi personnel to prevent Chinese access.
- ▪Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi publicly opposed the F-35 sale, warning that the transaction could place advanced American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party.
Congressional review process
- ▪Congress has historically scrutinized arms sales to Riyadh, including raising questions following the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- ▪The State Department's approval of the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia initiated a mandatory 30-day review period during which Congress has the authority to block or pause the transaction.
Israel qualitative military edge
- ▪Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern nation operating the F-35, having used the stealth jets in combat airstrikes against Iran in October 2024 and June 2025.
- ▪The State Department asserted that the potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia will not alter the military balance in the Middle East.
- ▪Under a 2008 law, United States policymakers are required to ensure that arms sales do not compromise Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
- ▪Recent attacks by Iranian proxies targeted a critical Saudi oil pipeline, forcing the infrastructure offline and restricting regional oil exports.
- ▪The proposed F-35 sale comes as Saudi Arabia faces intensifying missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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