U.S. Approves F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, which would make the kingdom the second country in the Middle East to acquire the aircraft after Israel, according to Reuters.
The reported deal is valued at $24.3 billion and includes 48 F-35 fighter jets, along with related equipment and technology.
The sale comes as Saudi Arabia faces continued security challenges linked to the Houthi movement in Yemen.
Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have also sought to acquire the F-35 for years. Washington has previously restricted access to the aircraft over concerns about protecting sensitive technology and preventing its capabilities from being exposed to China, according to U.S. officials.