The U.S. has confirmed that the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion, has been approved. This contract is considered one of the largest arms purchases by Saudi Arabia since the start of the war with Iran. Saudi Arabia has long sought to acquire these advanced fighter jets, and this deal will help enhance the country's defense capabilities against potential threats.
Details of the F-35 Sale Contract
According to the U.S. Department of State, this sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's capabilities to counter current and future threats. Additionally, this contract will improve cooperation between Saudi forces and U.S. troops. Furthermore, these jets will enhance Saudi Arabia's aerial capabilities and strengthen its defenses against air and ground attacks.
Security and Political Implications
The Saudi embassy in Washington has welcomed this deal, viewing it as a demonstration of the strong and stable relations between the two countries. The embassy also emphasized that security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. has contributed to regional stability and strengthened joint defense capabilities. However, some Israeli officials have expressed concerns about this sale, as Israel, being the only Middle Eastern country with these jets, seeks to maintain its military superiority.
Since the start of the war against Iran last February, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly faced missile and drone attacks from Tehran's forces. Additionally, internal conflicts in Yemen have exacerbated tensions in the region. In light of these developments, the U.S. is working to ensure Saudi security by strengthening military cooperation.
Need for Congressional Approval
The commitments of this sale also require approval from the U.S. Congress, and the Department of State has not provided details about the delivery timeline for the jets. This sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia aligns with the long-standing U.S. policy of maintaining Israel's military superiority in the region. In 2019, the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program due to its purchase of a Russian air defense system, as this raised concerns about the potential access of Moscow to the technology of these jets.
Ultimately, this F-35 sale is just one of several major arms deals for Saudi Arabia this year. The U.S. Department of State also confirmed a $5 billion sale of over 10,000 bombs to Saudi Arabia last September.
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