The US Department of State has approved a possible $24.3-billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia involving 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft and related equipment. The decision was announced on Thursday, local time.

The proposed package includes 48 F-35 aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing capability. It also covers 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines. Of these, 48 will be installed in the aircraft, and one will be supplied as a spare.

The deal includes a wide range of support and operational equipment. This covers secure communications systems, precision navigation equipment and cryptographic systems. It also includes electronic warfare database support, aircraft and munitions support equipment, spare parts, training equipment and flight simulators.

The package further includes software, technical documentation and logistics support. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, based in East Hartford, Connecticut, will serve as the principal contractors for the proposed sale.

The State Department said the deal would support US foreign policy and national security objectives. It said the sale would strengthen the security of a major non-NATO ally and support political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.

The department said the proposed sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to existing and future threats. It would also strengthen the country’s homeland defence and improve interoperability with US forces, as well as other regional and NATO forces.

"The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence, and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and other regional and NATO forces," the statement read.

The State Department said the sale would "augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence capability."

It also said the proposed sale "will not alter the military balance in the region." The department described the F-35 package as an addition to Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defence capabilities.

The proposed transaction would also provide Saudi personnel with training and simulation systems needed to operate and maintain the aircraft. The package includes logistical assistance and technical support linked to the aircraft and associated equipment.

The department said it was not aware of any offset agreement proposed as part of the potential sale. Any such agreement would be negotiated separately between the Saudi government and the contractors.

The State Department also said the implementation of the proposed sale would not require additional US government or contractor representatives to be deployed to Saudi Arabia.