U.S. State Department Approves Potential $24 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

Baltimore, MD, September 17, 2026 —

The United States Department of State has given its approval for a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, with an estimated value of $24 billion. This decision marks a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth fighter jet designed for ground attack and air superiority missions. It is developed by Lockheed Martin. The approval by the State Department signifies that the U.S. government views the proposed sale as consistent with its foreign policy and national security objectives.

Following the State Department’s approval, the proposed sale will now be subject to review by Congress. Lawmakers have a period to consider the transaction and can block it if they choose. However, the Biden administration has indicated support for the sale, emphasizing its role in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities and interoperability with U.S. forces.

The specific number of F-35 aircraft included in the potential deal was not provided in the summary. Details regarding the timeline for delivery, specific configurations of the aircraft, or the exact nature of the F-35 variants to be supplied were also not detailed.

This potential sale comes amidst ongoing geopolitical considerations in the Middle East and underscores the complex defense relationships the United States maintains with its regional partners. The financial figure of $24 billion represents the estimated total value of the potential transaction, which typically includes aircraft, related equipment, training, and support services.

Story summarized from the original created by Filip Timotija on thehill.com, see more information here.

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