The United States has confirmed the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia worth $24.3 billion. This action, recently announced by the U.S. Department of State, represents the latest major arms purchase by Saudi Arabia since the onset of the Iran war.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia's Defensive Capabilities
Saudi Arabia has long sought to purchase F-35 fighter jets, but Israeli officials, the only Middle Eastern country that possesses these jets, have expressed concerns about the sale to Riyadh. According to the U.S. Department of State, "The proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to counter current and future threats and strengthen the country's defensive capabilities."
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Impacts of This Sale on Regional Security
This sale will also help increase the number of operational aircraft in Saudi Arabia and strengthen its air and ground defense capabilities. The Saudi embassy in Washington praised the deal, calling it a testament to the strength and durability of relations between the two countries. The embassy also stated that security cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia contributes to regional stability and enhances collective defense capabilities.
Since the onset of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran in February, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly been targeted by drone and missile attacks from Tehran's forces. The country has also faced attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran. In this context, clashes between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, backed by Riyadh, have reignited since July, with the Houthis declaring a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The United States has not directly engaged in these conflicts, but a U.S. official stated that an American military force is working to enhance information sharing and planning for Saudi forces. The Department of State has also informed Congress about this sale, which requires approval from American lawmakers. The timeline for the delivery of the fighter jets has not yet been determined.
The U.S. Department of State emphasized that the sale of F-35s "will not alter the military balance in the region" and that this action aligns with longstanding U.S. policies to maintain Israel's military superiority over potential regional adversaries. To date, the U.S. has only authorized the sale of F-35s to its closest allies, including several European countries and Israel.
In 2019, the United States removed Turkey, a NATO member, from the F-35 program due to concerns that Ankara's purchase of a Russian air defense system could allow Moscow access to the technology of these jets. The U.S. has also expressed concerns about the potential for Chinese espionage related to these jets. Reports indicate that U.S. intelligence analysts suspect that China may gain access to F-35 technology through its cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Raja Krishna Murthy, a Democratic representative from the House Intelligence Committee, has opposed the sale of F-35s due to these concerns, noting that this sale should not proceed while our intelligence community warns that it could place American military technology in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.
The sale of F-35s is the latest in a series of major arms purchases by Saudi Arabia this year. The U.S. Department of State confirmed earlier in September the sale of over 10,000 bombs worth $5 billion, including 2,000-pound high-explosive bombs to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, this month, the U.S. confirmed the sale of 60 tank engines and related equipment to Saudi Arabia worth $750 million, and in July, a contract worth $1.96 billion was signed for the purchase of guidance components that could convert missiles into precision weapons.
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