The United States is moving ahead with plans to supply F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but officials have confirmed that the version offered to Riyadh will not include the advanced features available in Israel’s fleet. The decision reflects long standing American policy that guarantees Israel a qualitative military edge in the Middle East.
US defense officials told Reuters that while the American F-35 remains the most capable version globally, every international partner, including Saudi Arabia, receives a scaled variant. In Israel’s case, Washington allows unprecedented customisation that no other nation enjoys.
What Sets Israel’s F-35s Apart
Israel operates the F-35I Adir, a uniquely modified version equipped with systems that are not available for export. Key advantages include the integration of Israeli weapons, upgraded radar jamming technologies, additional mission computers and a numerical edge with two active squadrons and a third on the way. Israel has also spent eight years flying the aircraft in regional missions, giving it deep operational experience.
The US is also expected to offer Israel priority access to the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a next generation air-to-air weapon designed for fifth generation fighters. Saudi Arabia, according to defense analysts, is unlikely to receive the same capability even if the F-35 sale is finalized.
What Riyadh Will Receive
The proposed sale would place Saudi Arabia alongside Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which have also pursued F-35 acquisitions. Those regional deals remain stalled due to disputes over delivery timelines, technology transfer restrictions and concerns about Chinese access to sensitive systems.
Saudi Arabia’s version is expected to meet standard export specifications and requires Washington’s approval for any modifications. Despite limitations, the acquisition would still mark a major leap in Riyadh’s air power, aligning it more closely with Western defense technology.
Implications for Pakistan and Regional Dynamics
The growing US Saudi defense relationship could indirectly influence Pakistan in several ways. As Riyadh modernizes its air force, Pakistan could see expanded defense cooperation with the kingdom, particularly in joint training, maintenance support and interoperability exercises. Pakistan already maintains long standing defense ties with Saudi Arabia, including the deployment of military advisers and participation in regional training programs.
Analysts also note that if Saudi Arabia shifts toward high technology Western platforms, Pakistan’s defense industry may benefit from offset opportunities involving support systems, infrastructure development or tactical training programs. Additionally, any strengthening of Saudi defenses reduces pressure on Pakistan to serve as a primary security partner in certain regional roles, allowing Islamabad to focus on modernising its own fleet.
Pakistan’s relationship with China and Turkey, especially in aviation programs like the JF-17 and potential TF-X cooperation, positions Islamabad as a strategic beneficiary of shifting Gulf defense priorities.
A Region Watching Closely
The F-35 remains the most advanced fighter available for export, and even a reduced capability variant represents a significant boost for any Middle Eastern military. Whether the Saudi deal moves forward without delays will depend on US political approval and ongoing strategic negotiations.
For Israel, Washington’s restrictions ensure its air superiority remains intact. For Saudi Arabia, the deal signals Washington’s willingness to deepen security ties at a sensitive geopolitical moment. For Pakistan, the evolving defense landscape could open new channels of cooperation with the kingdom it has partnered with for decades.
