Trump Administration Seeks Congressional Approval for $24.3bn F-35 Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States administration under President Donald Trump has officially asked lawmakers to approve the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at approximately $24.3bn.

In a statement released on Thursday, the State Department emphasized that the proposed transaction supports United States foreign policy and national security by bolstering the security of a major non-NATO ally described as a vital force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.

Furthermore, the administration asserted that providing these advanced fighter aircraft would not disrupt the military balance in the region, aligning with longstanding United States policy that guarantees Israel maintains a military edge over potential regional adversaries.

This major announcement follows a claim made on Wednesday by the Houthis in Yemen, who stated they successfully shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib, a crucial city in their ongoing conflict against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The group released video footage showing fighters standing near the burning wreckage of what appeared to be a United States-made F-15 fighter jet bearing Saudi Arabian markings.

The Houthis maintained that the aircraft was brought down using a locally made surface-to-air missile, which, if verified, would represent a significant shift in the group's operational capabilities. Prior to this incident, Saudi Arabia's military maintained relative air superiority in Yemen, relying heavily on frequent airstrikes in the neighboring country. Intensifying clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis resulted in the reported deaths of at least five people, including three children, on Thursday.

Despite Saudi Arabia's persistent efforts to encourage Washington to play a more direct role in the ongoing conflict, the United States has maintained that it will not directly intervene in the hostilities between the Iran-backed Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

Meanwhile, Washington faces growing concerns regarding potential Chinese espionage tied to the military aircraft. The New York Times reported that United States intelligence analysts have warned that Beijing could potentially acquire sensitive F-35 technology through its expanding partnerships with Riyadh.

United States congressional Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, voiced his strong opposition to the proposed sale based on these security risks. Krishnamoorthi stated that the deal should not proceed while the intelligence community warns it could place critical American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party.

Adding to the diplomatic complexities, Saudi Arabia recently signed a mutual defense agreement known as the Mecca Agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye, signaling an effort by these nations to establish collective defense mechanisms less reliant on Washington.

While Saudi Arabia has long sought to acquire F-35 jets, officials from Israel—currently the only regional operator of the aircraft—have expressed reservations about the sale to Riyadh despite diplomatic efforts to normalize relations. Meanwhile, Turkiye, a NATO member previously involved in the multi-country development of the F-35 jets, has been blocked from receiving the aircraft since 2019 following its purchase of anti-aircraft missiles from Russia.