US to sell Saudi Arabia downgraded F-35s to keep Israeli 'military edge'
Iran Press TV
Thursday, 20 November 2025 6:42 PM
US officials and defense experts say the F-35 fighter jets which the United States plans to sell to Saudi Arabia will be delivered in a downgraded configuration compared to those in Israel's fleet so as to preserve Tel Aviv's so-called qualitative military edge in the West Asia region.
The Reuters news agency reported on Thursday that the aircraft intended for Riyadh would not include several of the advanced systems and capabilities integrated into those operated by Israel.
According to US officials, Saudi jets will not include advanced electronic warfare systems, enhanced weaponry, or other classified components that Israel has the authority to customize independently.
Israel holds distinctive permissions that enable it to modify its F-35s, incorporating locally developed munitions, advanced radar-jamming systems, and various other upgrades, all without needing prior approval from the United States.
Defense analyst Douglas Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, said that even if the sale to Saudi Arabia moves forward, the kingdom is unlikely to receive the cutting-edge AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile.
The next-generation air-to-air weapon is regarded as one of the most critical and advanced technologies linked to the F-35 platform.
Birkey said access to the missile will very likely be limited exclusively to Israel.
Recent revelations seem to challenge statements made earlier this week by US President Donald Trump.
While addressing the media alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, Trump claimed that the planes sold to Saudi Arabia would be similar to those supplied to Israel.
The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) mandates the United States to limit or reduce the transfer of advanced weaponry to Arab nations to ensure the preservation of Israel's supposed qualitative military edge (QME).
Saudi Arabia has been pursuing access to F-35 fighter jets since 2017, following a comparable effort by the United Arab Emirates. However, the UAE's bid faced setbacks under the Biden administration due to concerns regarding the presence of Chinese technology in Emirati networks.
During the Dubai Airshow, a high-ranking Lockheed Martin representative refrained from commenting on the anticipated sale, emphasizing that the matter is still at the government-to-government negotiation phase, despite public backing from Trump.
This development follows Saudi crown prince's commitment to increase the kingdom's investments in the United States to $1 trillion during his visit to Washington and his meeting with Trump.
Trump reportedly urged him during a joint business summit to explore raising the amount to $1.5 trillion.
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