Europe Asia News

The US Department of State announced that it had approved the possible sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion.

In a notification sent by the Department of State to Congress, the sales package was said to include, in addition to 48 F-35 fighter jets, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, cryptographic equipment, electronic warfare support, and training and logistics packages.

The Department said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of an important non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”

Stating that the sale “will not alter the military balance in the region,” the Department said the agreement would not require additional US government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Saudi Arabia.

According to the statement, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, based in East Hartford, Connecticut, will serve as the principal contractors for the sale.