Saudi Arabia Welcomes U.S. Approval for F-35 Jet Sale
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington announced on Friday that the proposed agreement for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom signifies the strength and stability of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, and underscores the continuous development of defense cooperation between the two parties.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, the Saudi Embassy stated: “The proposed agreement for the sale of F-35 aircraft demonstrates the strength and enduring nature of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, and the continuous progress in our defense cooperation.”
The message further elaborated: “Saudi-U.S. security cooperation has contributed to regional stability for decades and has enhanced our collective defense capabilities.”
Earlier, the U.S. Department of State had announced its approval for a potential military equipment sale valued at $24.3 billion to Riyadh, notifying Congress of the transaction. This package includes 48 F-35 fighter jets and 49 engines.
The U.S. Department of State indicated that this agreement could enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, support the defense of its territory, and elevate the level of operational coordination among Saudi, U.S., regional, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
Should this contract be finalized, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab nation to receive F-35 fighter jets.
