US State Dept approves $24.3bn F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia amid China concerns

The US State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, moving the deal into an advanced stage of review. The approval comes despite concerns that China could gain access to sensitive F-35 technology through the kingdom. Analysts have also raised questions about whether the sale could affect Israel's military superiority in the region. The deal represents one of the largest proposed US arms sales to Saudi Arabia in recent years.