US Set to Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 Billion
The State Department approved a possible $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The package includes 48 aircraft, 49 engines, and a broad suite of support equipment.
- 48 F-35 Lightning II jets with conventional takeoff and landing are included.
- 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines — 48 installed, one spare — are part of the order.
- Cryptographic devices, electronic warfare tools, and simulators are also included.
- President Trump confirmed U.S. willingness to allow the sale in November 2025.
Why it matters: The State Department said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy by strengthening a major non-NATO ally and improving interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
- The department stated the sale will not alter the military balance in the region.
- Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating F-35s, a status this sale would end.
How 17 sources split on this story
Where they split: The core dispute is whether Saudi Arabia acquiring F-35s threatens Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.
Center coverage, 10 sources: The center presents the approval as a straightforward government procurement announcement, leading with the dollar figure and manufacturer.
Reuters16hUS State Department OKs possible $24.3 billion military aircraft sale to Saudi Arabia
Jerusalem Post0mIsrael will seek to purchase new weapons systems from US as compensation for Saudi F-35 sale
Axios13hState Department approves potential F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia
Bloomberg16hUS to Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia in $24.3 Billion Deal
CNBC2hTrump administration advances $24.3 billion fighter jet deal to Saudi Arabia as Houthis escalate attacks
Financial Times14hTrump administration approves $24bn sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
France 243hUS approves $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia
Semafor12mSaudi Arabia notches win with F-35 saleTITimes of Israel8hTrump administration okays sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of $24.3B military packageYNYahoo News8hWhy US plan to sell F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia is controversial
Al Jazeera11hTrump administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
CNN1hUS approves potential $24 billion sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
Politico13hUS, in controversial deal, agrees to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia
The New York Times7hTrump Moves Ahead With F-35 Jet Sales to Saudi Arabia Despite Intelligence ConcernsRight coverage, 3 sources: The right frames the sale as a major Trump-era strategic move, noting the scale and linking it to broader U.S.-Saudi diplomatic agreements.
What’s next: The State Department's determination opens a congressional notification period before any contract is finalized.
- How will Israel formally respond to Saudi Arabia gaining F-35 access?
- Will Congress move to block or condition the sale?