Trump Administration Approves Potential Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, opening the way for one of the most consequential U.S. arms deals with the kingdom in years.
The U.S. State Department announced the approval on September 17, 2026, saying the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities and improve its ability to work with U.S. forces. The package also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines and extensive support equipment.
The development is drawing renewed attention after BBC State Department correspondent Tom Bateman reported on the policy shift and the concerns surrounding the proposed transfer.
Importantly, the announcement does not mean the aircraft have already been delivered or that the transaction is fully completed. The potential sale still faces congressional review.
What the U.S. approved
According to the State Department notification, Saudi Arabia has requested 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft configured for conventional takeoff and landing.
The proposed package includes 49 F135 engines, with 48 intended for installation and one spare. It also includes communications and navigation equipment, electronic-warfare support, spare parts, training, software, maintenance support and other equipment.
The State Department estimates the potential deal at $24.3 billion.
The department said the proposed sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter threats and strengthen interoperability with U.S. forces. It also stated that the sale would not alter the military balance in the region, reflecting Washington’s longstanding policy concerning Israel’s military advantage.
Why the Saudi F-35 deal is controversial
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter built around stealth, advanced sensors and networked combat capabilities.
Saudi Arabia has sought access to the aircraft for years, but Washington’s willingness to provide the jet has been closely connected to Israel’s position in the region.
Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35. U.S. policy requires Washington to ensure that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge over regional adversaries.
The proposed Saudi sale therefore raises questions about how the United States would maintain that advantage while providing Riyadh with one of America’s most sophisticated combat aircraft.
Congress still has a role
The State Department’s approval is an important step, but it is not the same as completed delivery of the aircraft.
The proposed foreign military sale is subject to congressional review. Lawmakers can raise objections during the review process, meaning the final outcome is not yet settled.
Even if the transaction ultimately moves forward, the aircraft would not arrive immediately. Reporting indicates that production and delivery would take years.
Why the story is trending now
The story is trending because the administration has now moved from years of discussion over Saudi Arabia’s F-35 request to a formal State Department approval for a potential sale.
President Donald Trump had previously indicated in November 2025 that Saudi Arabia would be allowed to buy F-35s. The September 17 announcement turns that earlier political commitment into a formal foreign military sale process.
The timing also comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, adding significance to the decision to authorize a potential transfer of advanced U.S. combat aircraft to Riyadh.
What happens next
The immediate next stage is congressional review.
If the sale survives that process and proceeds, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to operate the F-35. Israel would remain the only existing F-35 operator in the Middle East until any Saudi aircraft are actually delivered.
For now, the key development is the U.S. government’s September 17 approval of the potential $24.3 billion sale — not delivery of the jets themselves.
The proposal could therefore remain a major issue for Congress, U.S.-Saudi relations and the wider debate over the balance of military power in the Middle East.
FAQs
1. Did the U.S. approve the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia?
The U.S. State Department approved a potential foreign military sale on September 17, 2026. The proposed package covers 48 F-35 aircraft and related equipment.
2. How much is the Saudi F-35 deal worth?
The State Department estimates the potential sale at $24.3 billion.
3. Has Saudi Arabia received the F-35 jets?
No. The State Department approval begins a further process, including congressional review. Delivery would also take years if the sale ultimately proceeds.
4. How many F-35s could Saudi Arabia buy?
The current U.S. notification covers 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft and 49 F135 engines.
5. Why is the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia controversial?
The deal raises questions about Israel’s longstanding U.S.-backed qualitative military edge in the region, as well as broader concerns surrounding the transfer of highly advanced American military technology.
