The U.S. Trump administration has approved a $24.3 billion sale of state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement on the 17th local time, the U.S. State Department mentioned the approval of the F-35 fighter jet sale, stating, "It will enhance the ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening Saudi Arabia's homeland defense and improving interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces."

The U.S. began preparations for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia starting from the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the U.S. in November of last year.

As Saudi Arabia recently faces attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, this contract is expected to provide some relief to the country.

As the world's largest crude oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has used the pipeline connecting its eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu as an export route since the Strait of Hormuz was blocked following the war with Iran.

Recently, after Houthi rebels seized strategic points near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea and struck major Saudi energy infrastructure facilities, crude oil exports have suffered a significant blow.

However, there are still many hurdles to overcome before actual delivery.

This is because it must undergo review by the U.S. Congress, and even if Congress actually approves it, it will take several years for the first fighter jets to be supplied.

In addition, some quarters, including U.S. intelligence agencies, are expressing strong concerns that it could lead to related leaks to China, anticipating difficulties ahead.

The New York Times reported that a report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency a few months ago addressed the Chinese military's access to Saudi bases and Saudi Arabia's use of Chinese technology in its telecommunications infrastructure, raising questions about whether the U.S. and Saudi Arabia can maintain F-35 technology security.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee issued a statement warning that "if the sale is permitted, it will pose a threat to U.S. national security."

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Design by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News