WASHINGTON — The United States has potentially approved a proposed sale of 48 advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The package is valued at about $24.3 billion, according to the US State Department.

The proposed deal involves F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. It comes amid continued tensions in the Middle East and recent Houthi attacks involving Saudi Arabia.

The US State Department said the package would include 48 F-35 aircraft. It would also include 49 aircraft engines and related equipment.

The deal would provide Saudi Arabia with communications and electronic warfare systems. It would also include spare parts, training equipment and flight simulators.

Additional support equipment would be included under the proposed defence package. However, the agreement is not yet final.

The proposed sale must still receive approval from the US Congress. Congressional review could therefore affect the final outcome of the agreement.

The F-35 is a modern fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the aircraft.

Saudi Arabia has shown interest in purchasing the F-35 for several years. Riyadh has sought to modernise its air force and strengthen defence cooperation with Washington.

The US State Department said the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities. It would also support greater interoperability with US and allied forces.

Washington also said the proposed deal would not change the military balance in the region. The statement comes as regional security concerns remain high.

The proposal could further expand defence ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia. However, the deal is expected to face scrutiny during the congressional review process.

The proposed sale follows a separate security incident in Taif. A drone was intercepted and destroyed over the Saudi city, according to Saudi authorities.

Debris from the destroyed drone later fell over populated areas. One person was killed, while two others were injured in the incident.

Saudi Civil Defence said several buildings and vehicles were damaged by falling debris. Emergency teams responded to the affected areas after the incident.

Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, SPA, reported that the drone was launched by the Houthis. The agency identified the person killed as a Yemeni national.

One of the injured people was a Pakistani citizen. The Pakistani national was reportedly in critical condition after the incident.

The nationality of the second injured person was not disclosed. The Taif incident has added to concerns about security threats facing Saudi Arabia.

In other news read more about Pakistani Among 2 Injured as Houthi Drone Intercepted in Taif City

The proposed fighter jets sale and the drone incident highlight the broader security challenges in the region. Both developments come as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its defence capabilities.