The United States administration has requested Congressional approval for the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $24.3 billion. This request comes as Saudi Arabia seeks support from the US in its ongoing conflict with Yemen's Houthi forces. The State Department stated that the proposed sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a key non-NATO ally in the Gulf region.
The administration noted that the sale would not disrupt the military balance in the region, maintaining the longstanding US policy that Israel must retain a military advantage over potential adversaries. This announcement follows a claim by the Houthis that they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib, Yemen, using a locally made surface-to-air missile, indicating a potential shift in the group's military capabilities.
Intensified fighting in Yemen has reportedly resulted in at least five fatalities, including three children. Saudi Arabia has sought a more direct US role in the conflict with the Houthis, but the US has stated it will not intervene directly. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential Chinese espionage related to the F-35 technology, with US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi expressing opposition to the sale based on intelligence warnings about the risks of technology transfer to China.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia recently signed a mutual defense agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye, indicating a desire to diversify its defense partnerships. While Saudi Arabia has pursued the acquisition of F-35s for some time, Israeli officials have expressed concerns regarding the sale, despite ongoing discussions about normalizing relations between the two countries. Turkiye, which participated in the F-35 development, has been barred from receiving the jets since 2019 due to its purchase of Russian anti-aircraft missiles.