Breaking
The United States State Department has approved the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at over $24 billion, according to multiple Israeli sources including Ynet and Walla. The package also includes engines and additional equipment.
The US administration notified Congress that the sale is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities and deter regional threats. US officials stated in their announcement that the transaction “will not alter the military balance in the Middle East region.”
However, the approval comes amid concerns raised by US intelligence officials. According to reporting by The New York Times, cited by Walla, American intelligence agencies have expressed internal concerns about the possibility of Chinese espionage related to the F-35 technology being transferred to Saudi Arabia.
The sale represents a significant development in US-Saudi defence relations and regional military dynamics, particularly given ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Update 19:46: The US has approved a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about Israel’s regional military advantage.
Update 20:15:
