On Friday, the Saudi Embassy in Washington welcomed the American decision to approve the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom, stressing that this step embodies the depth of the strategic partnership and the level of ongoing defense cooperation between the two countries.
The embassy explained, in a statement on the “X” platform, that bilateral security cooperation has played a pivotal role over decades in consolidating regional stability, developing joint defense capabilities, and advancing mutual security interests.
The Saudi welcome came the day after the US State Department announced, on Thursday, its approval of a possible deal to sell F-35 Lightning II aircraft to the Kingdom with a financial capacity estimated at approximately $24.3 billion.
According to the US State Department, the deal includes the supply of 48 fighter jets and 49 engines produced by Pratt & Whitney, in addition to advanced communications systems, spare parts, and technical logistical support supplies. The F-35 fighter jet is classified as one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world, thanks to advanced stealth technologies that enable it to evade enemy radars.
This deal comes in the context of the Kingdom’s efforts to implement comprehensive modernization plans at the economic and military levels within “Vision 2030” led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, at a time when Riyadh has continued to diversify its defense partnerships in recent years, in addition to maintaining its historic security partnership with the United States.
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