Washington: Washington: The U.S. State Department has given official approval on Thursday for a military sale worth about 24.3 billion U.S. dollars to sell 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia.
This proposed foreign military sales action has been undertaken with the aim of enhancing Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities in the Gulf region. The U.S. Department of State has said that the proposed sale is considered to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and further strengthen the defense relationship between the two countries by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally, which serves as a force for political stability and economic progress.
The report said that the proposed sale under this major defense agreement would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland security and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, other regional forces, and NATO forces.
Under this proposed defense sale, 48 F-35 aircraft capable of conventional takeoff and landing and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines are to be provided. This includes 48 engines installed and one spare engine.
In addition, it includes other items such as secure communications systems, precision guidance equipment, electronic warfare database support, aircraft and ordnance support equipment, spare parts, training equipment, simulators, software, technical documentation, and logistical support. It will increase Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft. The State Department said in its report that this proposed sale agreement would not alter the military balance in the region.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, based in East Hartford, Connecticut, will be the prime contractors. The report stated that contractor representatives will not need to be sent to Saudi Arabia to carry out the sales agreement.
