Hell of a time for this development.
“WASHINGTON — The US State Department has cleared the potential sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Saudi Arabia, fulfilling a commitment of President Donald Trump despite security concerns over transferring the highly advanced stealth jet to the Gulf kingdom.
In a notice published today, the State Department said Riyadh has been approved to buy up to 48 F-35As — the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the fighter — along with 49 F135 engines in a deal valued at up to $24.3 billion. The potential sale would include support equipment and training, among other items.”
The approval comes a year after President Donald Trump announced Riyadh would be permitted to buy the highly advanced stealth fighters, though lawmakers could still block the sale.
breakingdefense.com