The United States has taken an important step toward the potential sale of F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia. The US State Department has approved a potential deal under the Foreign Military Sales program that would provide Riyadh with 48 F-35 Lightning II fighters and related equipment. The estimated value of the package is up to $24.3 billion.
The package includes 48 F-35s and 49 engines
The proposed package includes 48 conventional takeoff and landing F-35 fighters, as well as 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines. Forty-eight engines are intended for installation in the aircraft, while one will be supplied as a spare.
The package also includes communications and electronic warfare systems, personnel training services, simulators, spare parts, logistical support and other equipment necessary to operate the aircraft.
The main contractors for the deal are expected to be Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, and Pratt & Whitney, which produces the engines for the aircraft.
The deal moves to congressional review
Approval by the US State Department does not mean that the aircraft will be delivered to Saudi Arabia immediately. The proposed sale must undergo review by the US Congress, after which the necessary steps toward a possible agreement will continue.
The final cost and terms of the deal may also change depending on negotiations and the final composition of the equipment and services purchased by Saudi Arabia.
An important step for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's interest in acquiring the F-35 has remained one of the notable issues in the defense dialogue between Washington and Riyadh for several years.
The potential sale is also drawing attention because of the longstanding US policy of preserving Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East. The review of the deal may focus particularly on the regional military balance and the protection of sensitive F-35 technologies.
If all necessary procedures are completed and the agreement is finalized, Saudi Arabia will join the countries operating the F-35, one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
