US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia: State Dept

The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the US State Department announced Thursday, in a significant boost to the kingdom's forces.

Saudi Arabia has long sought to buy F-35s, but officials from Israel -- the only country in the region to operate the jets -- have voiced concern about their sale to Riyadh despite a push for the kingdom to normalize relations.

"The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with US forces," the State Department said in a statement.

It "will also augment Saudi Arabia's operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defense capability," it added.

The State Department has notified Congress about the proposed sale, which would require the approval of US lawmakers.