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Saudi Arabia F-35 Deal at $506M Per Jet

September 19, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

Saudi Arabia approved to buy 48 F-35As for $24.3 billion.
Price per jet is $506.25 million, 5x the US price.
Deal does not include aircraft weapons and additional equipment.
Congress has 30 days to block the sale.

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Strategic Implications

This deal may indicate a significant shift in US foreign policy, as Saudi Arabia becomes the first Arab country to purchase F-35s. The high price per jet suggests a premium for advanced technology, which could impact future defense procurement decisions. The sale may also strain US-Israel relations, as Israel has opposed selling F-35s to Arab countries.

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What Happened

First Arab Buyer Gets US Approval for 48 F-35As

The US government has approved the sale of 48 F-35A fighters to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion, with a price per jet of $506.25 million. The deal, which does not include aircraft weapons and additional equipment, marks a significant development in US-Saudi relations and may have implications for regional security. The sale was approved by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency and now awaits congressional review. This development was first reported by Defense Express.

Source | Originally Published: September 19, 2026

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