US Clears $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

Washington maintains that the acquisition will not shift the regional balance of power, a cornerstone of its policy to ensure Israel remains the sole F-35 operator in the Middle East. Despite this, the proposal faces a rigorous review by Congress, where lawmakers have voiced alarm over intelligence reports suggesting that Beijing could exploit Saudi-Chinese partnerships to access sensitive American aviation technology. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Intelligence Committee warned that the sale risks compromising what he termed the crown jewels of U.S. military hardware.

This fighter jet package follows a string of recent defense contracts, including a $5 billion deal for thousands of high-yield bombs and significant investments in precision-guided munitions and tank hardware. These procurements come as Saudi Arabia grapples with a surge in drone and missile attacks linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran and renewed hostilities with Houthi rebels in Yemen. While the U.S. has stopped short of direct combat involvement, the administration is deepening its intelligence and planning support for the kingdom’s forces as regional instability intensifies.