US Clears $24.3B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
US Clears $24.3B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The News
The State Department approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to a notice the department posted online Thursday.
The department notified Congress it plans to sell up to 48 F-35 Lightning II warplanes in a first-time sale to the kingdom, Bloomberg reported.
It would end Israel's status as the only country in the Middle East flying the F-35.
What's in the Package
The package covers 48 F-35 Lightning II jets in the conventional takeoff and landing configuration.
It also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines — 48 installed and one spare — plus cryptographic devices, electronic warfare tools and simulators.
The Right Scoop reported the approval came from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and put the total at nearly 50 aircraft for $24.3 billion.
Timeline
Word of a potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia first spreads, prompting questions about whether the jets would erode Israel's military advantage in the region, the Jerusalem Post reported.
President Trump confirms the U.S. is willing to allow the sale.
The State Department posts its approval notice and notifies Congress of the potential $24.3 billion deal.
Reactions
The State Department said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy by strengthening a major non-NATO ally and improving interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. The department also said the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The Financial Times called the deal a win for Riyadh at a moment when the kingdom is caught in a regional crisis triggered by the Iran war.
The central dispute among the outlets covering the decision is whether Saudi Arabia operating F-35s threatens Israel's qualitative military edge.
The Right Scoop reported that Trump is not going to enter the fight with the Houthis on Saudi Arabia's behalf, but will sell the kingdom the jets.
What's Next
The State Department's determination starts a congressional notification period before any contract can be finalized.
Two open questions follow: how Israel formally responds to Saudi Arabia gaining F-35 access, and whether Congress moves to block or attach conditions to the sale.
Poll
Should the US sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia?
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