US approves $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia

Cover image: A file image of F-35 jets in Oslo, Norway, on September 9, 2026. © Claudia Greco, Reuters

The United States on Thursday said it had approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia. Israel has previously voiced concerns about Riyadh buying F-35s, despite a push to normalise relations.

The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said Thursday, the kingdom's latest major arms purchase since the start of the Iran war.