washington. Amidst escalating Houthi attacks, America has cleared the way for the sale of 48 F-35 fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia. The US State Department has approved potential foreign military sales worth $24.3 billion (approximately Rs 2 lakh crore). This development has happened at a time when Riyadh was seeking military help from Washington to deal with the growing threat of Houthis.
The US, however, ruled out direct military action against the Houthis despite Saudi Arabia's insistence. Instead, Washington talked about providing intelligence and targeting assistance to Riyadh. Meanwhile, the Houthis increased pressure by targeting Saudi cities and energy installations. In such an environment, the need for Saudi Arabia to strengthen its air defense capability increased further. In this sequence, the F-35 deal has come to light.
What will Saudi Arabia buy from America?
According to the US State Department, the proposed package includes 48 F-35 aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, secure communications and navigation equipment, electronic warfare support, spare parts, training, simulators, software and logistics support.
Saudi's crisis, American defense industry's benefit?
If we look at the developments together, after withdrawing from direct military intervention against the Houthis, America has given Saudi the option of sophisticated American weapons to increase its defense capability. The $24.3 billion deal matches Washington's strategy.
Iran attack on oil tanker in Hormuz
Iran has claimed to have targeted a Togo-flagged oil tanker attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state broadcaster quoted the Revolutionary Guards as saying that the tanker named 'Trend' had made an illegal attempt to pass through the strait. The Revolutionary Guards' navy has warned that ships passing through Hormuz without permission could be destroyed. Meanwhile, Britain's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a security incident involving a vessel about 16 nautical miles north-east of Khasab, Oman.
Tension in Red Sea and attacks on Saudi completely unacceptable: India
Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said attacks by Houthi rebels on economic and civilian assets in the Red Sea region and Saudi Arabia are undermining regional peace. These attacks disrupt freedom of navigation on vital international maritime trade routes such as Bab al-Mandab. He expressed hope that peace and stability would soon be restored in the region. India has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea region.