The Saudi Embassy in Washington comments on the proposed F-35 fighter deal to the Kingdom

The Saudi Embassy in Washington commented on the proposed deal to sell American F-35 fighters to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is worth more than $24 billion, after it was revealed by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The Saudi Embassy in Washington said in a post on its official account on the “X” platform, formerly Twitter, on Friday evening: “The proposed sale of F-35 aircraft reflects the strength and well-established character of the Saudi-American strategic partnership, and the continued development of our defense cooperation.”

The Saudi embassy added: “Over decades, Saudi-American security cooperation has contributed to regional stability, strengthened our joint defense capabilities, and advanced our common security interests.” The Saudi Embassy’s post came in response to a post by the US Embassy in Riyadh regarding the deal, in which it said: “The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighters and related equipment.

The total cost is estimated at approximately $24.3 billion. The US State Department announced on Thursday that the proposed deal includes the sale of F-35 Lightning II fighters, which are the most advanced American fighters, along with associated equipment, with an estimated value of approximately $24.3 billion, according to the ministry’s statement.

Saudi Arabia is a major buyer of American weapons, including F-15 fighter jets, and has long sought to join the F-35 fighter program. The proposed deal would make Saudi Arabia only the second country in the Middle East to operate these advanced stealth fighters, alongside Israel, which will lead to a significant development of the capabilities of the Saudi Air Force, and may change the balance of military power in the region.