US clears way for $24.3 billion military aircraft sale to Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia, it said on Thursday as the kingdom has been drawn deeper into the Middle East war.

The estimated $24.3 billion sale would include 48 of the military aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines along with communications equipment, spare parts and other support items, the department said.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region," it said in a notice posted online.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil; writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu)