The United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but the aircraft will be less advanced than Israel’s. The jets will lack Israel’s superior weapons systems and electronic warfare upgrades. US officials said the sale complies with laws protecting Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
Saudi Arabia will receive two squadrons of F-35s over the coming years, but the jets will not include next-generation missiles like the AIM-260. US officials confirmed that Israel’s F-35s can integrate custom weapons and radar-jamming technology, which Saudi jets will not receive. The sale still requires a formal review to ensure Israel retains its regional superiority.
Read more: Trump signals sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
Israel opposed the planned sale, warning it could reduce its air dominance. Despite opposition, US officials said the deal aligns with broader regional normalization efforts, including integrating Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords. Congress must approve the sale, but powerful Israeli support on Capitol Hill could influence lawmakers’ decisions.
The F-35 jets for Saudi Arabia will match capabilities offered to Qatar and the UAE. However, delivery schedules and technology restrictions remain unresolved, and both Gulf nations await approval before receiving aircraft. The US intends to maintain Israel’s lead while allowing allies to modernize their defense systems.
Read more: Saudi Arabia could soon acquire F–35 jets, US officials say
Analysts say the sale balances US strategic interests with Israel’s security. Saudi Arabia gains advanced fighter jets without surpassing Israel, keeping regional stability intact. The move signals US commitment to its partners while safeguarding Israel’s long-standing air superiority.