The United States has authorized the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at $24.3 billion. This marks a significant expansion in military cooperation between the two nations, although the transaction still awaits approval from the US Congress.

According to the US State Department, this arms sale is intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities, enhance its ability to deter regional threats, and improve interoperability with US military forces. The department emphasized that the deal aligns with US policy in the Middle East, ensuring that Israel maintains its military advantage in the region.

Saudi Arabia has long pursued the acquisition of F-35 jets, which are currently only operated by Israel in the Middle East. Israel has previously expressed reservations about the sale, citing concerns over maintaining its strategic military edge over neighboring countries.

This proposed agreement is part of a broader pattern of defense transactions between Washington and Riyadh, including recent approvals for the sale of bombs, tank engines, and precision rocket system equipment to Saudi Arabia.

Despite the potential benefits cited by US officials, the deal is expected to face scrutiny from Congress. Lawmakers are likely to raise questions regarding the safeguarding of sensitive US military technology and the implications of Saudi Arabia’s expanding ties with China.