WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $24.3 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia involving 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment and services. The State Department notified Congress of the proposed sale under Transmittal No. 26-69 on September 17, 2026.
Saudi Arabia has requested 48 conventional takeoff and landing F-35s, along with 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines. Of these, 48 would be installed on the aircraft and one would be provided as a spare.
The package includes spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair-and-return support, aircraft and munitions support equipment, and other logistics requirements. It also includes secure communications, precision navigation and cryptographic equipment, including AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders and KIV-78 cryptographic appliques.
Other elements include electronic warfare database support, classified and unclassified software, cartridge actuated and propellant actuated devices, technical documentation, transportation, ferry and refueling support, and engineering, technical and logistics services.
Training and Support
The proposed deal includes personnel training, training equipment, simulators and other training aids. It also provides support through the engine component improvement program, aircraft modifications and maintenance services, as well as studies, surveys and site surveys.
According to the State Department, the sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of Saudi Arabia, described by the department as a major non-NATO ally and a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf.
The department said the F-35 acquisition would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defense and ability to deter current and future threats. It would also improve interoperability with U.S., regional and NATO forces and enhance Saudi air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
The State Department said Saudi Arabia would have no difficulty absorbing the aircraft, equipment and services and that the proposed sale would not alter the military balance in the Middle East. It also said the implementation would not require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel in Saudi Arabia and would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines in East Hartford, Connecticut, are the principal contractors.
The U.S. government said it is not aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any such arrangements would be negotiated directly between Saudi Arabia and the contractors.
The proposed transaction is now subject to the standard 30-day congressional review period. It remains a proposed Foreign Military Sale, and if finalized, the first F-35 deliveries would take several years.
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