The United States has potentially cleared the way for Saudi Arabia to acquire 48 advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter jets as part of a proposed defence package valued at $24.3 billion. The development comes amid continuing security tensions in the Middle East and recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory.
The proposed package would include 48 F-35 aircraft along with 49 engines. It would also cover communications and electronic warfare systems, spare parts, training equipment, simulators and other support items required to operate and maintain the aircraft.
The proposed sale is not yet final. It would still have to go through the US congressional process before the agreement can be completed. Major US foreign military sales can require congressional notification and approval before they move forward.
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology and advanced sensors. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35, making a potential Saudi acquisition a significant development for the region’s military aviation landscape.
Saudi Arabia has shown interest in acquiring the F-35 for several years. The planned purchase is linked to efforts to modernise the Royal Saudi Air Force and expand defence cooperation with Washington.
The US State Department has described Saudi Arabia as a major US defence partner, with extensive military sales and security cooperation between the two countries. The two sides have maintained a longstanding defence relationship covering aircraft, missile defence, training and other military capabilities.
According to the US position on the proposed package, the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities and improve its ability to operate alongside US and allied forces. Washington has also said the proposed arrangement would not change the military balance in the region.
The potential F-35 deal comes against the backdrop of recent attacks involving Houthi drones and missiles. Saudi Arabia has faced attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi movement during the wider regional conflict, adding to concerns about air defence and the protection of civilian areas.
Separately, a drone-related incident was reported in Taif, where debris from an intercepted drone reportedly fell over the city. According to Saudi authorities, the drone was destroyed in the air, but falling debris caused casualties and damage to buildings and vehicles.
One person was reportedly killed and two others were injured in the incident. Saudi state reporting identified the drone as having been launched by the Houthis. The reported casualties included a Yemeni national who was killed and a Pakistani citizen who was among the injured. The Pakistani national was reported to be in critical condition, while the nationality of the other injured person was not disclosed.
The incident adds to the security concerns facing Saudi Arabia as the country continues to deal with drone and missile threats. Saudi authorities have also reported other recent Houthi attacks, including an attempted drone strike directed toward Makkah that was intercepted and destroyed before entering the restricted airspace around the holy city.
The proposed F-35 package and the latest drone incidents highlight the continuing importance of air defence and military cooperation in the region. If approved, the Saudi F-35 purchase would represent a major expansion of the kingdom’s advanced combat aircraft capabilities and another significant step in US-Saudi defence cooperation.
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