The United States has taken an important step toward a potential deal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia after the US State Department approved a possible foreign military sale to Riyadh covering 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment, with an estimated value of up to $24.3 billion.
The deal includes 48 fighter jets and 49 engines
The proposed package includes 48 conventional takeoff and landing F-35 fighter jets, as well as 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines. Forty-eight engines will be installed on the aircraft, while an additional engine will be allocated as a spare.
The package also includes communications and electronic warfare systems, training services, simulators, spare parts, logistical support and other equipment needed to operate the fighter jets.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, and Pratt & Whitney, the aircraft engine manufacturer, are expected to be among the main contractors in the deal.
The deal moves to congressional review
The US State Department’s approval does not mean that aircraft deliveries to Saudi Arabia will begin immediately. The proposed deal is moving to a review process in the US Congress before the required procedures are completed.
The deal’s final value and terms may also change depending on negotiations and the equipment and services Saudi Arabia purchases under the final agreement.
An important step for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s interest in acquiring F-35 fighter jets has been one of the prominent issues in defense talks between Washington and Riyadh in recent years.
The deal is also attracting particular attention because of US policy aimed at preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge in the Middle East. Regional military balances and the protection of sensitive technology associated with the F-35 are expected to remain important issues during the deal’s review process.
If the required procedures are completed and the deal is finalized, Saudi Arabia will join the countries operating F-35 fighter jets, which are considered among the world’s leading fifth-generation fighters.
