Saudi Arabia could become the first Arab nation to fly the F-35 – here’s what its $24bn deal includes

The potential sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia has passed a major hurdle, with the State Department approving it. The deal remains far from certain due to a potential congressional block and a history of F-35 fighter jet sales collapsing in the region.

US State Department approves F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and their related equipment to Saudi Arabia, adding that the estimated total cost is $24.3 billion. The package includes 48 installed and one spare engine.

This comes after Trump said in 2025 that the US would be selling the fighter jet to Saudi Arabia.

The State Department said that the proposed sale will support the “foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”

It adds that the sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, while also improving interoperability with US forces and allies. The jets will augment its existing aircraft and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence capabilities.

The statement asserts that the sale will not alter the military balance in the region. This is important as US law requires it to maintain Israel’s edge in the region.

Why Saudi Arabia wants F-35As

On paper, Saudi Arabia already has an impressive fighter jet fleet inventory made up of 72 Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and around 230 F-15 series aircraft.

The Eagles comprise legacy F-15C/Ds, F-15S Strike Eagles and the more advanced F-15SA, a Saudi-specific derivative of the F-15E/Advanced Eagle family.

Saudi Arabia also retains roughly 80 Tornado IDS aircraft, although these are considerably older than its F-15s and Typhoons.

Saudi defence procurement has also frequently served a broader strategic purpose, with major purchases reinforcing relationships with key suppliers as well as providing military capabilities. It has often purchased top-of-the-line items at high prices as part of wider geopolitical efforts.

Reuters writes, “The F-35 issue has also been ​intertwined with broader diplomatic efforts.” Biden previously explored selling F-35s to the kingdom as part of a larger comprehensive deal that would have included Riyadh normalizing relations with Israel.

Adding the F-35 would provide Saudi Arabia with a combination of stealth, sensor fusion, and networked situational awareness that its existing fighters lack.

But the motives are likely more complex than the tactical military dynamics may suggest. Saudi Arabia is also seen as wanting the US to remain deeply invested in Saudi security.

Providing deterrence against Iran amid heightened tensions, is likely a motive.

The F-35s would offer a prestige dimension by being the first Arab state to operate them and be another market. Saudi Arabia sees itself as the leader of Arab states. Another aspect is regional competition with the UAE and its fighter jet programs.

The ultimate sale remains uncertain

The sale will now be presented to Congress, which has the authority to block it. It is unclear if lawmakers will allow the sale to go through. Congress has previously been wary of F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia out of concerns about Chinese spying and Israel’s qualitative edge.

Congress has previously blocked the sale of F-35s by law to Turkey, which Trump is trying to get overturned. In his first term, Trump also announced agreements to sell F-35s to the UAE and spoke of sales to Egypt, but these ultimately didn’t materialize.

Countries have previously complained of onerous conditions of sale for F-35s, although the current circumstances with Saudi Arabia are unclear.

It’s also worth noting that the Yemeni Houthis claim to have shot down a Saudi F-15SA this week, with the wreckage being captured. Had that been an F-35, it would have been a major security breach for America’s prized fighter jet, potentially exposing sensitive technology.