The US State Department authorized the purchase of 48 F-35A Lightning II fighters for Saudi Arabia including 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines. The proposed package totals $24.3 billion and incorporates simulators, spare parts, and cryptographic gear. Formal notification has been sent to Congress, which retains the power to block the transaction before the sale is finalized.

The acquisition would mark the first time Saudi Arabia operates the stealth warplanes and the first for any Middle Eastern nation other than Israel. US intelligence analysts warn that China could potentially acquire the sensitive technology through its partnerships with the kingdom. The Saudi embassy in Washington stated the proposed sale signals the strength and durability of the strategic partnership between the two nations.