BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The US Department of State has approved a potential $24.3 billion Foreign Military Sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The proposed package includes 48 aircraft and remains subject to congressional review.
According to the proposed sale, Saudi Arabia would receive 48 F-35 fighter aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing capability, along with 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, including 48 installed engines and one spare.
The package also includes communications and electronic warfare systems, training and simulation equipment, spare parts, logistics and other technical support. Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney are identified as the principal contractors.
The planned acquisition represents a major step in Saudi Arabia’s long-running effort to modernize its air force. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently operates a combination of Boeing F-15s, Eurofighter Typhoons and Tornado aircraft.
Saudi Arabia’s embassy welcomed the proposed agreement as a sign of the strength of defence ties between Riyadh and Washington.
The proposed transaction still faces congressional review before it can proceed. The F-35 is designed with advanced stealth capabilities intended to reduce its detectability by radar and is among the most technologically sophisticated combat aircraft currently in service.
If completed, the deal would significantly deepen defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States and introduce the F-35 into the Saudi air force for the first time.
