Saudi F-35 deal worth $24.3 billion clears congressional review

A proposed $24.3 billion sale of F-35A fighters to Saudi Arabia cleared its congressional review period on October 17, 2026 without a blocking vote, allowing the U.S. government to move toward issuing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, Defence Security Asia reported.

The State Department notification, dated September 17, 2026 and designated Transmittal 26-69, covers as many as 48 conventional-takeoff F-35A aircraft and 49 F135-PW-100 engines, including one spare. Lockheed Martin would build the airframes and Pratt & Whitney would supply and support the propulsion systems, the outlet said.

About $7.3 billion of the estimated ceiling is classified as major defense equipment, with roughly $17 billion covering spare parts, repairs, simulators, software, technical publications, transportation and training — close to 70% of the total. No weapons or munitions are included, and no offset arrangements were identified at notification. Saudi Arabia would pay for the purchase with national funds.

The figure is a negotiating ceiling rather than a signed contract, and the aircraft configuration, delivery schedule and contractual terms remain unsettled. A resolution of disapproval filed by Senator Rand Paul was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, according to Defence Security Asia.

This story was first reported by Defence Security Asia.