Investing.com -- The US Department of State approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

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

The approval comes as Saudi Arabia has been drawn deeper into the Middle East war.

The State Department said the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region, according to a notice posted online.