US F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Will Exclude Israel’s Advanced Stealth Features

Summary

The United States is moving forward with plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, though defense officials confirm the aircraft will differ significantly from those operated by Israel. Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of the sale this week, experts clarified that the Saudi fleet will lack specific advanced capabilities to comply with US laws guaranteeing Israel’s “Qualitative Military Edge” (QME) in the Middle East.

Unlike the standard export models offered to other nations, Israel’s F-35 fleet operates with unique permissions. The Israeli Air Force can integrate its own electronic warfare systems, radar-jamming technology, and domestic weaponry without requiring US approval. In contrast, the US F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia will involve aircraft restricted to standard software packages, preventing similar modifications. Furthermore, the Saudi jets are unlikely to receive next-generation weaponry, such as the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), which remains reserved for the US and its closest strategic partners.

Despite these technological restrictions, the proposed sale faces political hurdles. While Israel has voiced concerns that the sale could erode its regional air superiority, officials note that Israel is also balancing this against the desire to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords. The deal must still undergo a formal military review and requires Congressional approval, a process that has previously stalled similar offers to the UAE and Qatar. Currently, Israel maintains a significant advantage with two operational F-35 squadrons and years of combat experience on the platform, while Saudi delivery timelines would place their initial fleet years in the future.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1956291