# Trump approves $24.3B fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia

> The administration fast-tracks advanced F-35s to the kingdom as Iran-backed Houthis intensify regional attacks.
- Title: Trump approves $24.3B fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia · CNBC
- Summary: The administration fast-tracks advanced F-35s to the kingdom as Iran-backed Houthis intensify regional attacks. The Trump administration is selling 48 F-35…
- Keywords: trump administration, saudi arabia, f-35 fighter jets, lockheed martin, houthis, yemen, iran, arms deal, congress, china, middle east, military technology
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/18/trump-saudi-arabia-f-35-houthis-iran-war.html
- Author: Sam Meredith
- Published: 2026-09-18T07:37:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump administration, saudi arabia, f-35 fighter jets, lockheed martin, houthis, yemen, iran, arms deal, congress, china, middle east, military technology
## Trump greenlights $24.3B jet sale
The administration approved selling 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, plus 49 engines and other parts. It's the world's most advanced fighter aircraft.
## Houthis escalate attacks on kingdom
Iran-backed Houthis have ramped up attacks on Saudi targets and launched a ground offensive to control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically vital oil chokepoint.
## Congress gets 30 days to review
Lawmakers have 30 days to scrutinize or block the deal. Some have already raised concerns about the sale.
## China tech transfer concerns
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi warned the U.S. intelligence community fears the technology could reach the Chinese Communist Party through Saudi Arabia's ties to China.

> We must not sell our most advanced fighter jet anywhere the CCP may be able to get its hands on the technology inside it.
## Human rights questions linger
Congress has previously questioned arms deals with Saudi Arabia following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the kingdom.
## Trump strengthens Saudi ties
Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House in November and has backed a $600 billion investment commitment from the kingdom.
## Key takeaway

The Trump administration is selling 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion to counter Houthi threats, but Congress and lawmakers worry about sensitive U.S. military technology reaching China through Saudi ties.