US Approves $24.3 Billion Sale of 48 F-35 Warplanes to Saudi Arabia

The United States announced on September 18, 2026, that it had approved the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion. The decision was confirmed by France24, with the sale set to be completed in the coming months. Israel, which has historically opposed the sale of advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia, voiced concerns about the deal, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between the two nations. The sale has drawn criticism from Israel, which fears the enhanced military capabilities of Saudi Arabia could destabilize the region. France24 reported that Israel had previously raised concerns about Riyadh acquiring F-35s. The United States, however, defended the decision as part of its broader strategic interests in the Middle East. No other sources provided additional details beyond the initial announcement.