US approves possible $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON, Sept 17: The US State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to a notification sent to Congress on Thursday.

The proposed package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, cryptographic equipment, electronic warfare support, training and logistics packages. The State Department said the sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a major non-NATO ally and contributing to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.

The department said the proposed sale “will not alter the military balance in the region” and would not require additional US government or contractor personnel to be stationed in Saudi Arabia.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines of East Hartford, Connecticut, are expected to be the principal contractors.

Under US law, members of Congress have 30 calendar days from the formal notification to review the proposed sale and potentially object before the administration can finalize the deal.