Trump administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration has requested congressional approval for a $24.3bn sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The move aims to support regional security, though it coincides with intensified conflict in Yemen and concerns over the Houthis' increasing military capabilities.
Why it matters
The sale of advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia carries significant geopolitical weight, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Yemen and the regional military balance.
The deal, which still needs approval from Congress, comes as Riyadh seeks Washington’s help in its war with Yemen’s Houthis.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info The US has said that the sale of the F-35s to Saudi Arabia would 'not alter the military balance in the region' [File: Leon Neal/Getty] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 17 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 United States President Donald Trump’s administration has asked lawmakers to clear the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $24.3bn.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in a statement on Thursday.
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