US approves possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department approved the possible sale of around $24.3 billion worth of F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the department announced on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia requested to purchase 48 of the jets, as well as 49 engines and other materials.

According to a State Department statement, the sale is intended to support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter threats to the kingdom’s security.

It is also intended to improve cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s military, the US, regional allies, and NATO forces.