Washington has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
This marks another major arms deal as tensions in the Middle East remain high.
The deal still needs approval from Congress, and no delivery timeline has been announced. But why are these jets such a big deal?
The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Designed to operate with reduced radar visibility while carrying out air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The US State Department says the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself and improve cooperation with American forces.
It also argues the deal “will not alter the military balance in the region.”
Israel’s Regional Edge
That point matters because Israel, currently the only Middle Eastern country operating F-35s, has raised concerns about selling the aircraft to Riyadh.
Washington has long maintained that Israel must retain a military advantage over potential regional adversaries.
The US has generally restricted F-35 sales to its closest allies.
Turkey, a NATO member, was removed from the programme in 2019 after buying a Russian air-defence system.
Washington feared the system could expose sensitive technology.
So, if Congress approves the deal, the question is bigger than the price tag.
How will Saudi Arabia’s entry into the F-35 club reshape the region’s military balance?
