The Trump administration has approved a proposed $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, in a major defense deal for Riyadh.
Axar.az reports, citing the Financial Times, that the US State Department has approved a package that could include up to 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, spare parts, and additional equipment.
The State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, improve its homeland defense and increase interoperability with US and other regional forces.
The deal has not yet been finalized and could face opposition in Congress. Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi warned that transferring the advanced aircraft could pose risks to US national security, particularly because of concerns that China could gain access to sensitive American technology.
Source: en.axar.az
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