The United States has approved a proposed sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal estimated to be worth $24.3 billion, according to the US State Department.
The proposed sale, however, still requires approval from the US Congress before it can be finalised.
The State Department said the deal would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities and improve its ability to operate jointly with US forces. It would also enhance the Saudi Air Force’s capabilities, including its capacity for air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence.
Saudi Arabia has long expressed interest in acquiring the F-35, one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the aircraft.
Israeli officials have previously raised concerns about the potential sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. The US State Department, however, said the proposed transaction would not alter the military balance in the Middle East and would be consistent with Washington’s longstanding policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
The Saudi Embassy in Washington welcomed the proposed deal, saying in a statement that it demonstrated the strength of the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The embassy also said security cooperation between the two countries had contributed to regional stability and strengthened their joint defence capabilities.
The proposed sale has nevertheless prompted concerns among some US lawmakers, particularly over the possibility that sensitive technology associated with the advanced fighter jets could be accessed by China.
The F-35 proposal comes amid a series of major US arms deals with Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, Washington also approved the sale of large quantities of bombs and other military equipment to Riyadh.
The next stage of the $24.3 billion proposed deal will depend on congressional review and approval.
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