U.S. approve sale of 48 F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia

The Donald Trump government approved a billion-dollar sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, worth US$24.3 billion. The information was released on Thursday (17/9) by the State Department of Estados Unidos. In all, the US administration has given the green light for the Saudis to acquire 48 fifth-generation aircraft, considered the most modern of today.

Even with the authorization, the deal still depends on bureaucratic procedures to be completed. The announcement comes amid tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, the group that controls northern Yemen.

The aim is to strengthen the Saudi defence.

According to the US State Department, the possible sale aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defense capacity. A country that, according to Washington, is an important ally of the United States, which “represents a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”

The official justification highlights Riyadh’s strategic role in regional security and in containing common threats. The source did not, however, detail the deadlines for the delivery of the aircraft or the terms of financing of the agreement.

Context of hostilities in Yemen

Since July, the Yemeni organization and Saudi forces have returned to exchanging open attacks after years of a fragile ceasefire. The backdrop to the hostilities is the civil war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia acts as the leader of a military coalition that supports the country’s internationally recognized government.

The recent clashes have rekindled fears of a regional escalation, with direct impacts on Gulf security. The sale of the F-35 fighters in this scenario is seen as a reinforcement of the Saudi deterrent capacity in the face of threats from the Houthis.

Bureaucratic procedures still pending

The authorization of the State Department does not mean the immediate conclusion of the business. The agreement still needs to go through formal stages, including notification to the U.S. Congress and the signing of final contracts between the parties.

Experts heard by the international press, whose names the source did not detail, estimate that the process could take months. During this period, the agreement may undergo adjustments or even be suspended, depending on the political and security scenario.

Geopolitical impact of sales

The sale of the F-35s to Saudi Arabia reinforces the military alliance between Washington and Riyadh, but may also generate reactions from other regional actors. The source did not detail whether neighbouring countries were consulted or whether there are formal objections to the deal.

The strengthening of the Saudi air force with fifth-generation fighters alters the military balance on the Oriente Médio. Analysts say the move could influence power dynamics in the region, especially in relation to Iran and Tehran-backed armed groups.

The next steps of the agreement

With the initial authorization granted, the focus now turns to bureaucratic procedures and final negotiations between governments. The source did not detail whether there is a delivery of the first aircraft or if the agreement includes pilot training and maintenance.

The outcome of the business will depend on political and security factors, both on the Estados Unidos and the Oriente Médio. The Boca no Trombone Portal will continue to track the unfolding of this billion-dollar sale and its impacts on global geopolitics.

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