State Department clears way for $24.3B F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia US approves $24.3bn sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia Key points and original sources are listed below.

• State Department clears way for $24.3B F-35 jet sale to Saudi ArabiaS1

• US approves $24.3bn sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi ArabiaS2

• The US State Department on Thursday announced the latest in a series of arms purchases by the kingdom, which faces drone and missile strikes from Iran and Yemeni Houthi rebels. The deal requires approval in Congress before it can go ahead.S3

• The United States on Thursday said it had approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia. Israel has previously voiced concerns about Riyadh buying F-35s, despite a push to normalise relations.S4