# US approves $24.3b F-35 sale to Saudi amid Iran war

> US clears $24.3b sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns
- Title: US approves $24.3b F-35 sale to Saudi amid Iran war | Shortify
- Summary: US clears $24.3b sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns Saudi Arabia's defense upgrade faces Chinese espionage risks and congressional…
- Keywords: f-35, saudi arabia, iran war, us state department, congressional approval, chinese espionage, f-35 sale, saudi defense, iran conflict, military balance, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/18/us-clears-us243b-sale-of-48-f35-jets-to-saudi-arabia-amid-iran-war/235618
- Published: 2026-09-18T11:22:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: f-35, saudi arabia, iran war, us state department, congressional approval, chinese espionage, f-35 sale, saudi defense, iran conflict, military balance, news, world
## US approves F-35 sale
The US State Department approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth jets to Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's latest major arms purchase since the Iran war began.

> The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence
## Saudi embassy reaction
Saudi Arabia's embassy praised the transaction, calling it a reflection of the strong and enduring US-Saudi relationship.

> It reflects the strength and enduring nature of the relationship with the United States
## Israeli concerns
Israeli officials expressed worry about the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia despite Saudi Arabia's push to normalize relations with Israel.

> The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats
## Regional security context
Saudi Arabia has been targeted by drone and missile strikes from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea since the Iran war began.

> Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted with drone and missile strikes by Tehran's forces
## Congressional approval needed
The sale requires approval from US Congress, with no timeline for when the jets will be delivered.

> The F-35 sale will not alter the military balance in the region
## Chinese espionage fears
US intelligence analysts warn that China could acquire F-35 technology through partnerships with Saudi Arabia.

> Our own intelligence community is warning that it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party
## Recent arms deals
Saudi Arabia has also received $5 billion in bombs, $750 million in tank engines, and $1.96 billion in precision weapons this year.

> Washington also signed off on the sale of sixty tank engines and related equipment
## US military balance policy
The US maintains that Israel must retain a military edge over potential regional adversaries, a policy that has excluded Turkey from the F-35 program.

> The United States has so far only allowed the sales of F-35s to its closest allies
## Key takeaway

Saudi Arabia's defense upgrade faces Chinese espionage risks and congressional approval hurdles