Riyadh | BETH | October 18, 2026

The deal to sell 48 US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia has cleared the congressional review stage after the 30-day statutory period expired without the passage of a resolution blocking the sale.

The US Department of State notified Congress on September 17 of its approval of the proposed sale, valued at an estimated $24.3 billion. The package includes 48 fifth-generation fighter jets and 49 engines, including one spare, along with communications, navigation, electronic warfare, training, maintenance, technical support, and logistics systems.

Although a resolution opposing the deal was introduced, it did not advance through the legislative process required to block the sale during the review period.

F-35 fighter jets feature stealth capabilities designed to reduce radar detection, advanced sensor fusion, and the ability to conduct aerial and strike missions in sophisticated combat environments.

Clearing the congressional review represents a major step toward completing the contracting process, but it does not mean that the aircraft have been delivered or entered operational service.

BETH Commentary

The significance of the deal goes beyond adding 48 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia's fleet. It represents a potential qualitative leap in the Royal Saudi Air Force's capabilities, strengthening deterrence and defense integration with the United States.

The deal also carries political significance regarding the level of strategic cooperation between Riyadh and Washington, at a time of escalating aerial and missile threats in the region.

The next challenge will be translating approval into fully integrated operational capabilities through training, equipment preparation, maintenance, and the assimilation of advanced technologies.