Saudi Arabia welcomes proposed $24.3bn F-35 deal with US

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Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has welcomed a proposed US sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington described the proposal as a further step in the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries.

The US State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion military sale, which also includes 49 engines, training, spare parts, communications equipment and other support. The deal still requires approval from the US Congress.

Saudi Arabia has sought the F-35 for years as part of efforts to modernise its air force and strengthen its ability to respond to regional threats. The aircraft would give the Royal Saudi Air Force access to advanced stealth and sensor technology.

The proposal comes as Saudi Arabia faces renewed attacks from Yemen’s Houthi group and wider security tensions in the region. The US said the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself and would not alter the military balance in the region.

The F-35 is already operated by the US and several allied countries. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the aircraft.