US approves $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States has cleared the sale of F-35 warplanes and related support to Saudi Arabia in a $24.3 billion deal. The State Department said the agreement supports US foreign policy and national security objectives while enhancing Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities.

The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence and enhancing interoperability with US, regional, and NATO forces. Officials said the deal would augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and improve its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence capabilities. The State Department added that the sale would not alter the military balance in the Gulf region but would support the security of a major non-NATO ally that contributes to political stability and economic progress there.

Experts have warned that the deal could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party. The agreement follows a previous $142 billion arms sale sealed in Riyadh last year, described by the White House as the largest defence sales agreement in history.