US to Sell F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia With Limited Capabilities Compared to Israel
Washington, D.C. — The United States has announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but officials confirm the aircraft will be less advanced than Israel’s fleet, in line with U.S. law that guarantees Israel a qualitative military edge (QME) in the region.
President Donald Trump revealed the sale this week, highlighting ongoing efforts to bolster regional security. However, defense experts note that Saudi jets will lack Israel’s sophisticated systems, including advanced weapons packages and electronic warfare capabilities. Notably, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to receive the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a next-generation air-to-air missile designed for fifth-generation fighters. The JATM, with a range exceeding 120 miles, remains sensitive U.S. technology reserved for Israel.
Each F-35 is customized per country and pilot, with the U.S. operating the most advanced versions. Saudi Arabia’s jets, produced by Lockheed Martin, will be intentionally technologically inferior through restricted software and hardware configurations. Currently, Israel maintains two F-35 squadrons, with a third on order, giving it a numerical and operational advantage over any incoming Saudi jets. Saudi Arabia’s fleet will be limited to two squadrons, with delivery stretching over several years.
A formal QME review and Congressional approval are required before the sale is finalized. Analysts suggest Israel’s political influence in the U.S. Congress could impact the approval process. The sale is also part of a broader U.S. initiative to encourage Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Abraham Accords and normalize relations in the Middle East.
Other regional players, including Qatar and the UAE, have also been offered F-35s, though their acquisitions have been delayed due to delivery, capability, and security concerns. Israel continues to enjoy exclusive permissions to modify its F-35s, integrating custom weapons, radar-jamming systems, and upgrades without U.S. approval.
While the deal strengthens Saudi Arabia’s air force, the Israeli Air Force has warned that the sale could challenge Israel’s long-standing air superiority, maintaining its edge in the region.
