Antiwar.com reports the State Department has approved a $24.3 billion sale of F‑35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move arriving as Riyadh seeks military help from partners while fighting Ansar Allah (the Houthis) in Yemen. The outlet says the proposed sale now goes to Congress for review, a step that rarely blocks large arms deals.
What Antiwar.com says is in the package
According to Antiwar.com’s readout of the notification to Congress, the deal covers 48 F‑35s and 49 engines (48 installed plus one spare), along with cryptographic gear, electronic-warfare support, training, and logistics. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines are listed as the prime contractors.
Antiwar.com quotes a State Department statement asserting, “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region.”
Regional balance—and Israel’s past objections
Antiwar.com notes Israel has previously objected to F‑35 sales to Gulf states and Turkey, arguing such transfers could upset the Middle East balance of power. The outlet adds that Israeli officials often invoke Washington’s policy of maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge, and that the F‑35 is the most advanced aircraft in Israel’s fleet.
Yemen war backdrop and fresh claims
The Antiwar.com report states the announcement came a day after Ansar Allah claimed to have shot down a Saudi F‑15 over Yemen. Yemen’s SABA news agency published what it said were photos of a U.S.-made Saudi F‑15SA downed over Marib province.
Antiwar.com further reports Ansar Allah has targeted military and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, while the kingdom has also come under fire from Iran and militants in Iraq. The outlet says a drone launched from Iraq struck Saudi Arabia’s East–West pipeline last week.
AP: Riyadh seeks air defenses; diplomacy emphasized
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Saudi Arabia has reached out to France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt for additional air-defense support. Citing a regional official, AP reported Riyadh looked to non‑U.S. partners because American interceptor stockpiles have dwindled “during the war against Iran,” and that the priority is to “give diplomacy a chance” rather than pursue a collective military response.
Congressional review still ahead
Per Antiwar.com, Congress will review the proposed sale. The outlet also reports that, earlier this week, President Donald Trump declined a Saudi request for direct U.S. strikes against Ansar Allah, agreeing instead to provide intelligence.
