Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visited the United States and met with President Donald Trump, highlighting a closer relationship between Riyadh and the Trump administration. A focal point of that visit was a proposed U.S. sale of up to 48 F‑35 fighter jets — a deal the kingdom has sought for years but which prior administrations declined in part because of Israeli concerns.
The proposal marks a potential shift in U.S. policy and raises questions about regional balance, military capabilities, and U.S. domestic politics. Below is a clear overview of what the F‑35 is, how its variants differ, why Saudi Arabia wants the aircraft, and what political hurdles remain.
What the F‑35 Is
The F‑35 Lightning II is a family of stealth multirole fighters built by Lockheed Martin. Designed for low observability, advanced sensors, and data fusion, the F‑35 gives pilots enhanced situational awareness by combining information from a near-360° sensor suite and other systems into a single, intuitive display.
Its core strengths are stealth (reduced detectability by radar and sensors), sensor fusion (integrating multiple inputs into one operational picture), and connectivity (sharing data securely with other platforms). Those capabilities change how air power is applied: missions emphasize early detection, information sharing, and coordinated strikes rather than relying solely on speed or individual pilot eyeball tactics.
Key Variants
- F‑35A — Conventional takeoff and landing; the most widely used variant. Weapons and fuel are carried internally to preserve stealth.
- F‑35B — Short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL), used by militaries operating from short airstrips or amphibious ships; trades some internal fuel and weapons capacity for STOVL capability.
- F‑35C — Carrier‑capable variant optimized for catapult launch and arrested recovery aboard aircraft carriers, with larger wings and reinforced landing gear.
- F‑35I “Adir” — An Israeli-customized F‑35A featuring local electronic‑warfare systems and approved U.S. modifications to integrate Israeli weapons and mission systems.
Partners and Production
Several U.S. partners contribute to the F‑35 program by manufacturing components or assembling jets for their own forces. Partner countries include Australia, Canada, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. These partnerships both distribute production and deepen interoperability among allied air forces.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants the F‑35
- Modernization: The F‑35 would significantly upgrade Saudi Arabia’s air capabilities, replacing older platforms with a stealthy, sensor-rich aircraft.
- Regional deterrence: Possessing F‑35s would strengthen Riyadh’s deterrent posture against regional rivals, most notably Iran, and support operations related to the ongoing tensions in Yemen.
- Interoperability with U.S. forces: Acquiring U.S. jets helps align Saudi capabilities with American doctrine and technology, facilitating joint operations and intelligence sharing.
Political and Strategic Hurdles
U.S. arms sales require executive approval but can be blocked by Congress. For decades U.S. policy sought to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the region, meaning Israel would retain superior capabilities compared with its neighbors. Israeli objections have previously prevented Riyadh from joining the F‑35 program. The administration’s willingness to provide the same F‑35 model to Saudi Arabia represents a notable break from that long-standing approach.
Domestic U.S. politics also matter: critics have raised concerns about human rights, including the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and whether advanced weapons should be transferred given regional instability. Congress could use those and other considerations as grounds to oppose a sale.
Regional Implications
If approved and delivered, F‑35s in Saudi hands would reshape air-power balances in the Middle East. The jets would bolster Saudi deterrence vis‑à‑vis Iran and enhance Riyadh’s ability to project power, support coalition operations, and protect critical infrastructure. However, the transfer could also trigger regional anxieties and complicate arms-control diplomacy.
Bottom Line
The proposed sale of up to 48 F‑35s to Saudi Arabia would be a major step in modernizing Riyadh’s air force and reflects a strategic recalibration by the U.S. administration at the time. The deal remains subject to political debate in Washington and would carry significant geopolitical consequences across the Middle East.
