Trump admin approves sale of stealth F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
- On Thursday, the White House notified Congress of a planned $24 billion sale of 30 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Saudi Arabia, aiming to bolster the kingdom's air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
- This arms package responds to escalating attacks on Saudi oil facilities and Red Sea shipping routes by Iran-backed Houthis, with Saudi diplomats seeking Washington's backing to 'resolutely confront hostile approach' during Yemen's civil war.
- The State Department asserted the sale improves the kingdom's 'capability to deter current and future threats' and enhances interoperability with United States forces, stating the deal 'will not alter the military balance in the region.'
- Lawmakers must now approve the transaction, though some members remain wary of deepening military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, citing the kingdom's ties to China and resistance to the Abraham Accords.
- Under United States law, Washington must ensure Israel maintains a 'qualitative military edge' over regional neighbors; delivery of the advanced stealth fighters remains years away, potentially complicating long-term regional security dynamics.
29 Articles
29 Articles
The US has approved the potential sale of 48 F-35 jets worth US$24.3 billion to Saudi Arabia amid the Houthi conflict.
Middle East’s 5th-most powerful military turns to Europe and Africa for missile defence despite a new $24.3 billion F-35 deal with the US that can’t help it now
Saudi Arabia is seeking air-defence support from France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt as its interceptor stocks run low under sustained Houthi attacks, while dwindling US supplies limit Washington’s ability to replenish the kingdom, according to two regional officials cited by the Associated Press.
Some Voice Misgivings About $24B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The State Department has signed off on a massive jet deal that could reshape the skies over the Gulf. On Thursday, it announced that it had approved a proposed $24.3 trillion sale of 48 F-35 steel fighters and related gear to Saudi Arabia, a move the Trump administration says...
US Approves $24.3 Billion F-35 Fighter Jet Deal for Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved the potential sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $24.3 billion, marking a major shift in U.S. defense policy and the kingdom’s biggest fighter jet purchase since regional tensions escalated during the U.S.-Iran conflict. The U.S. State Department said […]
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