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US seeks to sell Saudi Arabia 48 fighter jets for $24.3 bln

For each fighter jet, the United States will provide a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine, as well as one additional spare engine, along with secure communications, navigation, and encryption equipment

WASHINGTON, September 18. /TASS/. The US administration has agreed on the sale of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and related equipment worth $24.3 bln to Saudi Arabia, the US State Department and the Pentagon agency responsible for foreign military sales under intergovernmental contracts said.

For each fighter jet, the United States will provide a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine, as well as one additional spare engine, along with secure communications, navigation, and encryption equipment.

According to US authorities, the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally.

The administration said the sale of the fighter jets will not alter the military balance in the region and will have no adverse impact on US defense readiness.

As The New York Times (NYT) previously reported, US intelligence is concerned that China could gain access to American technology if Saudi Arabia acquires fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets. According to the newspaper, US intelligence analysts believe China could gain access to F-35 technology through "espionage" in Saudi Arabia or as part of its military partnership with Riyadh.

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