US Approves Possible Sale of 48 F-35 Fighters to Saudi Arabia

A potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jet aircraft from the United States to Saudi Arabia is a major step in the United States’ defense cooperation with the kingdom. The Saudi proposal would include providing Riyadh with advanced grades for 5th generation aircraft and with a wide range of support.

US Foreign Military Sales must be referred to Congress for notification and review prior to deployment, and possible final amounts, prices, and contract conditions may need to continue negotiating.

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What the $24.3 Billion F-35 Package Includes?

The proposed $24.3 billion package for the F-35 Lightning II is based on 48 conventional takeoff and landing aircraft. It also contains 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines: 48 that have been installed and one spare.

A more extensive package is intended to provide for Saudi Arabia’s operation and sustainment of the aircraft. It covers communications and navigation gear, cryptographic systems, database support for electronic-warfare, simulators, training equipment and software, as well as spare parts and related logistics.

Lockheed Martin is the main aircraft prime contractor and Pratt & Whitney will be responsible for delivering the F135 propulsion system. The arrangement would thus include a wider United States defense-themed industrial network, which would not just involve the plane; it would also extend to the manufacturing thereof.

Strategic Significance for Saudi Arabia

While Washington and Riyadh grow closer on defense, the US has given the thumbs-up to a deal for funding Saudi Arabia’s work on the F-35 air platform. The F-35 is intended to merge into a single combat platform low-observability, with high-performance sensors, communications and mission systems, providing the operator with a very integrated platform.

The planes for the Royal Saudi Air Force would need lots of training, installations, maintenance and integration into the Saudi air force. The proposed support package will aid in meeting several of those needs, along with the aircraft purchase.

The US notification does the same, outlining the proposed transaction within the context of Washington’s regional security goals. The package will be designed to boost the capabilities of the Saudi defensive forces while at the same time ensuring compatibility with US and allied forces.

Congressional Review and Next Steps

The deal for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia is passed through Congress’s review process. Notwithstanding approval of a proposed Foreign Military Sale, neither an approval nor acceptance constitutes final confirmation of a purchase agreement or final sale.

Final implementation would require negotiations, Saudi approval and final US procedures to be completed. Deliveries may thus not be executed according to the original package, and end values may also vary.

FAQs

What will be the number of F-35s that Saudi Arabia will be getting?

In the proposed sale, the U.S. will be selling 48 F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

How many billions is the Saudi purchase of the F-35 worth?

The package proposed is valued at some $24.3 billion for aircraft, equipment, training, support and related systems.

Which company is producing the F-35?

The F-35 is mainly produced by Lockheed Martin and the F135 engine is made by Pratt & Whitney.