Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) September 17, 2026 – The United States Department of State has formally approved a potential foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia involving 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and associated defence equipment valued at an estimated $24.3 billion (£18.5 billion). Announced in an official online notification on Thursday, 17 September 2026, the proposed package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, advanced communications systems, electronic warfare support, and comprehensive logistics packages. The State Department stated that the transaction supports American national security objectives and will not alter the military balance within the Middle East region.
Authorisation and Major Defense Equipment Breakdown
The United States Department of State has granted formal authorization for a potential foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, encompassing advanced fighter aircraft, engines, and tactical support equipment with an estimated total value of $24.3 billion.
According to notifications posted online by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Thursday, 17 September 2026, the potential agreement centers on the procurement of 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The package also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 propulsion systems, representing 48 installed engines alongside one spare unit.
The official notification sent to the United States Congress outlines that the comprehensive defence package incorporates cryptographic equipment, command and control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, spare and repair parts, weapon support systems, technical documentation, personnel training, and logistics support.
Strategic Rationale and Regional Balance Assessment
In its official rationale for the decision, the State Department asserted that the transaction aligns directly with key United States foreign policy goals and broader national security strategy.
“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 declared in its statement.
Addressing regional stability concerns, federal authorities emphasized that the potential sale would integrate into existing regional defense frameworks without disrupting force dynamics.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,”
the notice stated.
Prime Contractors and Congressional Oversight Procedure
The principal contractors designated for the potential deal are Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut. The department noted that the proposed transaction will not necessitate the permanent assignment of additional United States government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia.
Under United States governing statutes regulating foreign military sales, the formal notification to Capitol Hill initiates a mandatory congressional review period. Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee have 30 calendar days from the date of formal notification to review, deliberate, or introduce resolutions regarding the proposed transaction before the executive branch can finalize a formal Letter of Offer and Acceptance.
Regional Dynamics and Military Fleet Modernisation
The approval arrives against a backdrop of complex Middle Eastern security dynamics and heightened regional tension involving regional powers. Saudi officials have sought to modernize the nation’s air defense infrastructure and deepen interoperability with United States armed forces, NATO partners, and regional coalition members.
If executed, the acquisition of 48 F-35 aircraft would mark a significant technological transition for the Royal Saudi Air Force, incorporating fifth-generation stealth aviation capabilities into its existing inventory of fighter aircraft.
