Overview
- The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale and formally notified Congress on Thursday that it would cover up to 48 F‑35A fighters at an estimated cost of $24.3 billion.
- The package includes 48 F‑35 aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135‑PW‑100 engines, secure communications and navigation gear, electronic‑warfare database support, training equipment and simulators, spares, logistics and long‑term maintenance.
- The DSCA notice starts a 30‑day review period during which members of Congress can introduce disapproval measures or demand conditions before any contract is finalized.
- U.S. intelligence assessments documented in reporting warn China could try to obtain classified F‑35 technologies through ties with Saudi Arabia, citing Chinese access to Saudi bases and widespread use of Chinese telecom equipment as specific risk factors.
- The sale intensifies Israeli and congressional concerns about preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge, comes as the kingdom faces rising conflict in the Gulf, and would still require production slots, secure basing, extensive training and implementation steps before any aircraft enter Saudi service.