US State Department approves potential $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia involving 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines (48 installed plus one spare), and accompanying equipment including secure communications systems, navigation, encryption, electronic warfare support, spare parts, training, simulators, and technical documentation. The estimated value of the deal is $24.3 billion.