Breaking Defense said the State Department cleared a possible foreign military sale of 48 F-35A jets and 49 F135 engines, valued at up to 24.3 billion dollars, opening a 30-day congressional review. Al Jazeera, citing AFP, said the administration asked lawmakers to clear the proposed F-35 sale.
Breaking Defense reported that the State Department approved a possible foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia of 48 F-35A jets and 49 F135 engines, valued at up to 24.3 billion dollars. The 17 September notice, it said, also covers support, training and spares for the conventional-takeoff F-35A. Prices and quantities can still move in talks. No contract has been signed. That is a clearance to notify, not a delivery schedule.[1], [2]
The notice starts a 30-day congressional review. Breaking Defense noted Israel’s qualitative military edge rule and technology-leak concerns as the ground on which lawmakers can still stop or shrink the case. Al Jazeera said the sale still needs congressional approval. The two outlets agree the file is in front of Congress, not already closed. Middle East Eye, as cited by Breaking Defense, described the proposal as supporting a major non-NATO ally.[1], [2]
Al Jazeera, citing AFP, said the administration asked lawmakers to clear a proposed F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia. A State Department statement quoted there said the case would not alter the regional military balance and would support a major non-NATO ally in the Gulf. The same piece placed the request beside Riyadh’s ask for US help in its war with Yemen’s Houthis. However that political frame is Al Jazeera’s, not a second price table. Breaking Defense remains the source for the 48 / 49 / 24.3 billion inventory.[1], [2]
