Pakistan, Sept. 18 -- The United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The US State Department announced the approval on Thursday. The proposed package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment and spare parts. It also covers other support items linked to the aircraft. The approval represents a formal step in the US arms-export process. The deal remains subject to the required congressional review.

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The State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia's defence capabilities. It said the package would help address current and future security threats. The department also said...