The U.S. government has approved a significant arms sale to Saudi Arabia, including 48 stealth F-35 fighter jets valued at $24.3 billion. This deal must be approved by Congress and is intended to enhance Saudi Arabia's military capabilities, according to the State Department. The agency stated that the sale will help the kingdom strengthen its national defense and improve coordination with U.S. military forces. Saudi Arabia expressed appreciation for the decision, calling it a demonstration of the strong strategic partnership between the two countries. Saudi Arabia has long sought to acquire F-35s, but Israel, the only other country in the region with these aircraft, had raised concerns. The new sale will increase Saudi Arabia's operational aircraft count and improve its air-to-air and air-to-ground defense capabilities, the State Department said. However, the U.S. has maintained that the sale will not alter the regional military balance, as it aims to ensure Israel retains a military edge over its potential adversaries. The delivery of the F-35s is expected to be spread out over several years. Some U.S. officials and lawmakers oppose the sale, fearing that advanced military technology could leak to China. Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi warned that the Trump administration should delay the sale, citing intelligence concerns that China might gain access to American military technology through such transfers. The U.S. has only authorized the sale of F-35s to its closest allies, including several European NATO members and Israel. In 2019, Washington excluded Turkey, a NATO member, from the F-35 program due to its purchase of a Russian air defense system. This latest sale is part of a series of major arms deals made by Saudi Arabia this year, amid growing tensions in the Middle East. Since U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran in February, Saudi Arabia has become more deeply involved in the regional conflict. The kingdom faces regular attacks from Iran and, since July, an offensive by the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Tehran. In response to Houthi attacks, a U.S. military unit has been working to improve information sharing with Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, the State Department approved the sale of over 10,000 bombs to Riyadh for $5 billion, though the U.S. has not pledged direct military intervention against the Houthis.