Trump administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

The deal, which still needs approval from Congress, comes as Riyadh seeks Washington’s help in its war with Yemen’s Houthis.Published On 17 Sep 202617 Sep 2026United States President Donald Trump’s administration has asked lawmakers to clear the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $24.3bn.“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in a statement on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Fighting continues between Yemen gov’t forces, Houthis: What is the latest?list 2 of 3Saudi Arabia promises to respond to Houthi attacks ‘firmly’list 3 of 3Five killed as Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis trade attacksend of listThe administration said the sale of the jets, the most advanced fighter aircraft the US has, would “not alter the military balance in the region” in keeping with longstanding US policy that Israel must have a military edge over potential regional adversaries.The announcement comes after the Houthis in Yemen claimed ...