Saudi leaders have pressed for F-35s for years, arguing the jets would strengthen their defence posture. The F-35's stealth and sensor systems make it a coveted asset, and a purchase of 48 aircraft would put Saudi Arabia on a similar footing to Israel, which currently operates about 50 of the jets and has announced plans to add another squadron to reach roughly 100.
The proposed sale has drawn bipartisan concern on Capitol Hill and from some US defence officials, who warn Riyadh's growing security relationship with China could expose sensitive technology. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said the transfer "it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party." Other lawmakers have voiced comparable worries about potential sharing or compromise of classified systems.
The State Department defended the package, saying it would support US "foreign policy and national security objectives" and that "The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region." The agency also noted Saudi Arabia is among the largest buyers of US defence equipment.
President Donald Trump has cultivated close ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, relations that underpinned a $142bn arms agreement struck during a White House-backed visit to Riyadh last year, described by the administration at the time as the "largest defence sales agreement in history." One F-35A is priced at about $82.5m, underlining the overall scale of the proposed transaction.
The timing of the announcement coincides with ongoing Saudi operations against the Iran-linked Houthi movement in Yemen, who have recently seized stretches of the country's Red Sea coastline from forces backed by Riyadh. Two sources told CBS News the crown prince urged the president to take military action against the Houthis, though Mr Trump has not committed US forces.
Congress has a record of pushing back on arms deals with Riyadh, notably after the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The Biden administration previously explored F-35 transfers as part of a push for Saudi normalisation with Israel, a diplomatic effort that did not succeed. What happens next depends on whether lawmakers can build the votes to challenge the sale during the 30-day review period.
