The United States has approved the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia.
The major deal, estimated to be worth $24.3 billion, marks Saudi Arabia’s latest significant arms purchase since the start of the Iran conflict.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to acquire F-35s. However, Israeli officials, whose country is currently the only one in West Asia to operate the jets, have raised concerns over their sale to Riyadh, despite efforts to encourage the kingdom to normalise relations.
The US State Department said the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defence capabilities and improve its ability to deter current and future threats.
So far, the United States has only approved F-35 sales to its closest allies, including several European NATO members and Israel.
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