The U.S. State Department has informed Congress of a proposed foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia, involving up to 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. This landmark deal is valued at an estimated $24.3 billion. The sale also includes forty-nine Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (48 for installation and 1 spare), along with various non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items such as secure communications devices, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, electronic warfare database support, and extensive logistical and program support.
The State Department stated that this proposed sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering the security of a major non-NATO ally in the Gulf region, which is considered a force for political stability and economic progress. The acquisition is expected to improve Saudi Arabia's ability to deter current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and enhance interoperability with U.S., regional, and NATO forces. The sale is also intended to augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft fleet and improve its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
Key contractors for this potential sale are Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, located in East Hartford, Connecticut. The U.S. government does not anticipate any adverse impact on its defense readiness as a result of this transaction. While the F-35 deal for Saudi Arabia is significantly more expensive than comparable FMS cases, such as Greece's $8.6 billion for 42 aircraft or Germany's $8.4 billion for 35 aircraft, this higher cost may be attributed to extensive F-35-related equipment, infrastructure, and services, possibly including unmentioned Major Defense Equipment.
This approval follows years of discussions and a Strategic Defense Agreement signed in November 2025. The sale required careful consideration of the U.S. legal obligation to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the region, which ensures Israel receives more advanced U.S. weapons than other regional states. The F-35, with its stealth technology, is considered the world's most advanced fighter jet, and Israel has been the only Middle Eastern country to operate it for a decade. The State Department believes this sale will not alter the military balance in the region. Congressional scrutiny is expected, given past concerns regarding arms deals with Saudi Arabia.
