The Trump administration has approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, though the deal still needs congressional approval, according to Al Jazeera.
Key facts
- The Trump administration has approved the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, according to Al Jazeera.
- The deal still requires approval from Congress.
- The move comes as Riyadh seeks Washington's help in its war with Yemen's Houthis, according to Al Jazeera.
The Trump administration has approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to Al Jazeera. The approval marks a step in defence cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.
The deal is not yet final. According to Al Jazeera, it still requires approval from Congress before it can proceed.
The reported approval comes as Saudi Arabia seeks Washington’s help in its war with Yemen’s Houthis, according to Al Jazeera.
Further details about the size, cost or timing of the sale were not provided in the available reporting.
The requirement for congressional approval means lawmakers will have an opportunity to review the proposed sale before it moves forward.
Why it matters
The F-35 is among the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and a sale to Saudi Arabia would represent a notable deepening of US-Saudi defence ties. Because the deal requires congressional approval, it is likely to draw scrutiny from lawmakers, particularly given Riyadh's ongoing conflict with Yemen's Houthis.
Frequently asked questions
Has the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia been finalized?
No. According to Al Jazeera, the deal has been approved by the Trump administration but still requires approval from Congress before it can proceed.
Why is Saudi Arabia seeking these jets?
According to Al Jazeera, the deal comes as Riyadh seeks Washington's help in its war with Yemen's Houthis.
What is the next step for the deal?
The proposed sale needs approval from Congress, according to Al Jazeera.