Amanze Chinonye
The United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion deal to provide Saudi Arabia with 48 F-35A fighter jets, expanding defence cooperation between Washington and Riyadh while leaving the transaction subject to congressional review.
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The U.S. State Department approved the proposal on Sept. 17 and formally notified Congress. The package includes 48 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, communications equipment, spare parts, training, logistics and other support.
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The package does not include weapons. The State Department said the aircraft would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defence, improve interoperability with U.S. forces and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence capabilities.
The transaction remains subject to a statutory congressional review period, during which lawmakers can raise objections or seek to block the transfer.
If completed, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to operate the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter equipped with advanced sensors and networking capabilities. Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the aircraft.
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The proposed transfer has drawn scrutiny because of the F-35’s sensitive technology and its potential implications for the regional military balance. U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about protecting the aircraft’s technology and the possibility of Chinese access to sensitive systems in Saudi Arabia.
Washington must also consider its longstanding requirement to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge when transferring advanced weapons to other Middle Eastern countries. The State Department said the proposed transfer would not alter the military balance in the region.
The approval follows a broader expansion of U.S.-Saudi security ties. In 2025, Washington and Riyadh announced a defence cooperation package valued at nearly $142 billion, which the White House described as the largest defence cooperation agreement in its history.
Saudi Arabia has sought the F-35 for years, and President Donald Trump said in November 2025 that the United States would provide the aircraft to Riyadh.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
