Belgium’s first F-35 fighter jets during an event marking the arrival of the new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft purchased by Belgium at Florennes Air Base in southern Belgium, Oct. 13, 2025. (Credit: John Thys / AFP)
The U.S. State Department on Thursday approved the potential sale to Saudi Arabia of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets manufactured by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, in a deal estimated at $24.3 billion, as the kingdom becomes increasingly involved in the war in the Middle East.
The proposed sale includes, in addition to the 48 F-35s, 49 engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, as well as communications equipment, spare parts and various support systems, the U.S. State Department said. "The proposed sale of this equipment and support services will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the department said in a notice published online.
The military buildup comes as Tehran continues to impede freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen’s Houthi rebels threaten the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait and launch attacks against Saudi Arabia, amid a persistent diplomatic deadlock.
