Why U.S. Approved a Weaker F-35 Package for Saudi Arabia Than Israel’s F-35I, How Much Weaker

The United States has agreed in principle to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but with major restrictions designed to preserve Israel’s legally protected Qualitative Military Edge (QME) in the Middle East. The decision marks a significant step in U.S.–Saudi defense ties, even as Israel strongly opposes the move despite being the region’s only current F-35 operator.

The administration confirmed that Saudi Arabia will receive a reduced-capability version of the aircraft, lacking several of the advanced technologies, weapons, and electronic-warfare systems supplied to Israel.

A “Less Advanced” F-35 for Saudi Arabia

According to U.S. officials familiar with the review process, the F-35s intended for Saudi Arabia will be substantially downgraded to ensure they do not match or surpass the Israeli Air Force’s F-35I “Adir” jets.

Key omissions include:

• No advanced Israeli electronic-warfare suite
Israel’s F-35I carries a custom-built EW system integrated directly into the aircraft—technology not available to any other operator.

• No access to the AIM-260 JATM
The U.S. Air Force’s next-generation air-to-air missile, the AIM-260, which outranges current AMRAAM missiles, will not be included in the Saudi package.

• Limited software access
The most sensitive mission software, data-fusion tools, and sovereign-level coding interfaces reserved for Israel will remain off-limits.

• Reduced weapons compatibility
Saudi aircraft will not be cleared for several classified U.S. or Israeli weapons integrated into the Adir variant.

• No bespoke Israeli enhancements
Israel’s F-35Is feature locally integrated weapons, communications systems, and mission pods. None of these will be available to Riyadh.

Officials stress that while Saudi pilots will operate a fifth-generation fighter, it will be a standard export configuration with added U.S. restrictions — not the tailor-made platform Israel uses.

Israel Opposes the Deal Despite Safeguards

Israel — the first country outside the U.S. to receive the F-35 — has had the aircraft in active service for eight years, and now operates multiple squadrons. Its defense establishment remains concerned that any sale, even a downgraded one, could dilute its technological advantage.

Israeli officials argue that:

• Saudi Arabia’s acquisition of a stealth platform could complicate Israel’s air dominance

• Technology leakage risks remain

• Regional alignments can shift rapidly

Israel’s security cabinet and air force have both filed formal objections, but Washington has reiterated that U.S. law requires Israel to maintain superiority — and that requirement is guiding every decision in the Saudi deal.

Why the U.S. Is Moving Forward

For Washington, the sale is part of a broader geopolitical strategy. Saudi Arabia has pushed for the F-35 for years, and the aircraft was seen as a pivotal bargaining chip in U.S. efforts to encourage Saudi–Israeli normalization and deepen Riyadh’s role in U.S.-led regional security frameworks.

American officials describe the sale as a “cornerstone of long-term strategic cooperation” with Saudi Arabia, aimed at countering Iran, strengthening air-defense integration, and binding Riyadh more closely to U.S. security structures.

Regional Impact

If completed, the sale would represent a historic shift:
Saudi Arabia would become the second country in the Middle East to operate a fifth-generation aircraft — even if in restricted form.

This move could:

• Boost Saudi Arabia’s airpower

• Increase pressure on Iran

• Tighten U.S.–Saudi military ties

• Introduce new debate over future weapons balance in the Gulf

At the same time, the restrictions on the jets ensure Israel retains:

• More advanced sensors

• Deeper software access

• Superior electronic warfare capabilities

• Exclusive access to top-tier U.S. and Israeli weaponry

What Happens Next

The deal must still pass a congressional review. Lawmakers have historically required assurances that Israel’s QME is protected before approving any high-end arms sale in the Middle East.

While the sale is not finalized, the political momentum in Washington suggests it is increasingly likely — provided downgraded configurations remain firmly in place.

The U.S. decision to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone in regional defense politics. But by stripping out advanced weapons, stealth-enhancing electronics, and cutting-edge Israeli technology, Washington is ensuring that Israel’s qualitative military edge — enshrined in U.S. law — remains intact.

Even so, the deal continues to generate tension, with Israel urging caution and Washington balancing strategic interests in one of the world’s most complex security landscapes.