Overview
- President Trump announced a Strategic Defense Agreement that includes selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia, designated the kingdom a major non-NATO ally, and touted plans to increase Saudi investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion.
- Israel said it received U.S. assurances that its qualitative military edge will be maintained, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted Israel was not consulted before the announcement.
- U.S. officials indicate Saudi F-35s would lack advanced electronic warfare suites, Israeli-style customization, and likely the AIM-260 missile, with software and export controls keeping them below Israel’s F-35I.
- The proposed transfer requires a formal QME assessment and congressional review, and analysts expect any deliveries to occur years from now.
- Experts caution that even downgraded F-35s carry strategic weight and raise technology-security questions related to China, though retired commanders argue Israel’s training, unique upgrades, and potential regional integration should preserve its advantage.