An F-35 fighter jet takes off from RAF Lakenheath on January 7, 2026 in Mildenhall, England.Dan Kitwood | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesUSA President Donald Trump’s administration has approved the potential $24.3 billion sale of nearly 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in what is seen as a major boost for the kingdom as it faces intensifying attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The package, which was announced Thursday, includes the sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft, the world’s most advanced fighter jet, and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines and other parts. will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of an important non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in a statement. The announcement comes as the Houthis have recently stepped up their attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and launched a lightning ground offensive to assert control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically vital oil chokepoint. The Trump administration said the The proposed deal would help improve Riyadh’s ability to deter current and future threats but “would not alter the military balance in the region,” a reference to a long-standing U.S. policy that Israel should maintain a military advantage over potential rivals in the Middle East. Congress has 30 days to review or try to block the deal, and some lawmakers have already expressed concern. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., said the U.S. should not move forward with the deal at a time “when our own intelligence community warns it could put a strain on it.” crown jewels of American military technology available to the Chinese Communist Party.” In a statement on social media, Krishnamoorthi added: “We should not sell our most advanced fighter jet anywhere where the CCP can get their hands on the technology it contains.” U.S. President Donald Trump (R) meets with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on November 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump will host the crown prince for meetings aimed at strengthening economic and defense ties, including US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Win Mcnamee | Getty Images News | Getty Images Congress has previously questioned arms deals with Riyadh following the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kohsoggi, a high-profile critic of the kingdom. $600 billion in a series of deals with the United States. equipment and services from more than a dozen American defense companies. Trump, who has a close relationship with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, hosted the crown prince at the White House in November.
