U.S. approves possible $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

Investing.com -- The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia that would include 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, strengthening Riyadh's air capabilities and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.

The proposed package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, along with communications and cryptographic equipment, electronic warfare support, spare parts, maintenance, training, simulators, software and technical support, according to the State Department.

The sale is intended to bolster Saudi Arabia's ability to deter current and future threats, strengthen homeland defense and expand its ability to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Washington said the deal would also improve interoperability between Saudi forces and U.S., regional and NATO forces. The proposed deal would give Saudi Arabia access to the F-35, one of the U.S. military’s most advanced fighter aircraft.

The principal contractors would be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. The U.S. government said it was not aware of any proposed offset agreement, with any such arrangement to be negotiated between Saudi Arabia and the contractors.

The State Department said the proposed sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening a major non-NATO ally that it described as a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.

Washington said the sale would not alter the military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. No additional U.S. government or contractor personnel would be required in Saudi Arabia to implement the deal.