The United States has approved the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, in a deal worth $24.3 billion, the US State Department announced Thursday.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to acquire the F-35, a sophisticated fifth-generation stealth fighter. However, Israel, the only country in the region to operate this model, has expressed concern about the sale to Riyadh, despite its efforts to normalize relations with the kingdom.
The State Department said in a statement that "the proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its territorial defense and improving interoperability with US forces."
It added that it "will also enhance Saudi Arabia's existing fleet of aircraft and improve its self-defense capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat."
The State Department notified Congress of the proposed deal, which requires the approval of US lawmakers.
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