US approves $24B sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has notified Congress of a proposed $24.3 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, covering up to 48 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines. The notification, submitted on September 17, kicks off a 30-day congressional review window. Lawmakers can attempt to block the sale during that period. What’s in the deal The package goes well beyond airframes. Alongside the 48 F-35A jets, Saudi Arabia would receive associated equipment, spare parts, logistics support, and training programs. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics would serve as the primary contractor for the aircraft, with Pratt & Whitney supplying the engines. The F-35A is the conventional takeoff variant of the Lightning II, the same model flown by the US Air Force and most allied nations. Until now, Israel has been the only country in the Middle East cleared to fly one. The Israel question and the China concern US law has long required that arms sales to the Middle East preserve Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” meaning Israel should maintain a technological advantage over any potential adversary in the region. Selling the same stealth fighter to Saudi Arabia complica...