The U.S. State Department on the 17th approved a possible foreign military sale
to Saudi Arabia of up to 48 F-35 fighters and related equipment, with a
potential value of up to $24.3 billion. The package includes 48 aircraft, 49
engines, communications equipment, spares, training and other support; U.S.
media report the sale still requires Congressional approval and, if approved,
initial deliveries would take several years.