Overview
- U.S. officials say Saudi F-35s would lack advanced electronic warfare features and other capabilities found on Israel’s jets, with sensitive weapons like the AIM-260 unlikely to be included.
- Israel says Washington assured it that its regional advantage will be maintained, even as the Israeli Air Force formally warned the sale could erode its aerial superiority.
- A formal qualitative military edge review and congressional notification are still required, leaving timing and terms subject to oversight and potential changes.
- President Trump publicly suggested the Saudi jets could be "pretty similar" to Israel’s, a characterization at odds with multiple reports of downgraded configurations.
- Analysts and retired commanders cite years-long delivery timelines and strict end-use monitoring, while warning of Chinese intelligence risks and emphasizing Israel’s larger, more experienced F-35 fleet.