US to Sell 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia in $24.3B Deal Pending Congress

The US has signaled readiness to sell 48 F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia in a $24.3 billion deal, pending congressional approval. This marks a significant shift in US policy, as Saudi Arabia was previously excluded from F-35 sales due to concerns about Israel's military edge and human rights. The deal could reshape Middle East defense dynamics and raises proliferation concerns, with observers fearing China could acquire sensitive technology through Saudi partnerships.