The US Department of State approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of 48 F-35 fighter aircraft and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for an estimated USD 24.3 billion.
The package includes conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, secure communications, munitions support equipment, and logistics backing.
The State Department stated the sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's homeland defense and interoperability with US forces without altering the regional military balance.