The U .S. State Department has issued preliminary approval for a $24.3 billion deal to provide Saudi Arabia with F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. This massive procurement includes up to 48 aircraft and Pratt & Whitney engines to bolster the kingdom's defense against regional threats.
Building on a $142 billion defense legacy
The proposed sale follows a massive 2025 arms package worth nearly $142 billion, which the White House previously labeled the largest defense cooperation agreement in U.S. history. According to the report, Saudi officials had been pursuing these advanced stealth platforms since early 2025, when they directly petitioned President Trump to prioritize such sales.
This current move signals a continuation of a long-term strategic alignment between Washington and Riyadh. By building on this existing foundation,the United States aims to enhance the military capabilities of a major non-NATO ally to ensure long-term political and economic stability in the Gulf region.
48 F-35 jets and Pratt & Whitney engines for the Kingdom
The State Department's preliminary approval covers a package valued at approximately $24.3 bilion. This deal would provide Saudi Arabia with up to 48 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, along with Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines and necessary support equipment.
If finalized, Saudi Arabia would become only the second nation in the Middle East to operate these specific aircraft, joining Israel in fielding the world's most sophisticated stealth technology. The acquisition is intended to provide the kingdom with enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities through advanced sensors and network-centric warfare.
Defending Red Sea assets against Houthi drone strikes
The timing of this proposal is critical as Saudi Arabia faces increased pressure from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. These groups have targeted military bases and oil infrastructure along the Red Sea coastline with drone and missile attacks. As the report notes, these strikes threaten global shipping lanes and international oil prices, particularly near vital maritime chokepoints like the Bab Al-Mandeb.
The F-35's advanced capabilities are intended to serve as a deterrent against such asymmetric threats.. By securing the coastline, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia hope to mitigate the growing influence of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and other essential waterways.
The Congressional hurdle and Israel's qualitative edge
While the State Department frames the sale as a stabilizer, the deal remains subject to mandatory Congressional approval. A primary point of contention is whether this massive infusion of stealth technology will upset the qualitative military edge that Israel currently maintains over its Arab neighbors.
It remains unclear how the U.S. will manage the potential for increased tensions among neighboring states that rely on Iranian support. Furthermore, observers are watching to see if the presence of additional stealth fighters in Saudi airspace will be viewed by the U.S. Congress as a stabilizing measure or a catalyst for a new regional arms race.
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