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# Washington Approves Potential Sale of 48 F-35A Jets to Saudi Arabia
- URL: https://www.warfaredecoded.com/washington-approves-potential-sale-of-48-f-35a-jets-to-saudi-arabia/
- Published: 2026-09-21T14:30:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-21T14:30:11.000Z
- Author: Kevin Macmellon

United States has approved a potential **$24.3 billion Foreign Military Sale of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia**, marking a major step toward Riyadh acquiring the U.S.-built fifth-generation stealth aircraft. The proposed deal still requires congressional review before it can be finalized.

## 48 F-35 Fighter Jets in Proposed Deal

According to the U.S. State Department notification, Saudi Arabia has requested **48 F-35A conventional-takeoff-and-landing aircraft** along with **49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines**, including one spare engine. The package also includes communications and cryptographic equipment, electronic-warfare support, training, simulators, spare parts, maintenance, and logistics support.

The estimated $24.3 billion figure represents the maximum potential value of the package rather than a finalized contract price. Actual costs could change depending on the final configuration, negotiations and quantities.

## Congress Still Has to Review the Sale

The State Department's approval is an authorization to proceed with the proposed Foreign Military Sale; it does **not mean the aircraft have been delivered or that a final purchase contract has been signed**.

## Saudi Arabia Seeks F-35 Capability

Saudi Arabia has pursued the F-35 for years as part of its effort to modernize its air force. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently operates a mixed fleet that includes **F-15s, Eurofighter Typhoons and Tornado aircraft**.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/44/1e448b0d-1e44-4bbb-bad8-c4da165a2995/content/images/2026/09/U.S.-and-Saudi-leaders-shake-hands-during-a-formal-meeting-as-the-two-countries-discuss-closer-strategic-and-defense-cooperation-1.png)

Two F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters fly in formation above a layer of clouds during an aerial training or operational flight

The proposed acquisition would introduce a low-observable, fifth-generation fighter into Saudi Arabia's combat-aircraft inventory, adding capabilities that differ substantially from its existing fourth-generation fleet.

## F-35 Would Expand U.S.-Saudi Air Power Cooperation

The proposed package comes as Saudi Arabia faces renewed security challenges involving the Houthis in Yemen. Reuters reported that Houthi forces have recently intensified attacks against Saudi targets while advancing toward areas near the strategically important **Bab el-Mandeb Strait**.

Washington has also approved other major defense packages for Riyadh in 2026\. In January, the State Department approved a possible **$9 billion sale of 730 PAC-3 MSE Patriot interceptors**, while a February notification covered approximately **$3 billion in F-15 sustainment**.

## Israel's Qualitative Military Edge Remains a Key Issue

The F-35 sale has particular significance because **Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35**. Reuters reported that U.S. policy requires Washington to consider Israel's qualitative military edge when approving advanced weapons sales to other countries in the region.

The State Department's notification states that the proposed sale and associated support **“will not alter the military balance in the region.”**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/44/1e448b0d-1e44-4bbb-bad8-c4da165a2995/content/images/2026/09/Two-F-35-Lightning-II-stealth-fighters-fly-in-formation-above-a-layer-of-clouds-during-an-aerial-training-or-operational-flight-3.png)

U.S. and Saudi leaders shake hands during a formal meeting as the two countries discuss closer strategic and defense cooperation

## Deal Could Take Years to Complete

Even if congressional review does not stop the proposal, the aircraft would not arrive immediately. A final agreement, production scheduling, training, infrastructure preparation, and delivery would all have to take place before Saudi Arabia could operate the F-35.

The proposed sale therefore represents the beginning of a potentially lengthy acquisition process rather than an immediate transfer of 48 aircraft.

## Major Step in Saudi F-35 Ambitions

The $24.3 billion proposal would give Saudi Arabia the opportunity to acquire **48 F-35As, 49 engines, and a broad package of training, sustainment, and mission-support equipment**. The next major step is congressional review, after which negotiations and contracting would determine whether and how the proposed package ultimately moves forward.

Author: Kevin Macmellon