“We’re going to do this, we’re going to sell F-35s!” » Donald Trump’s comments on Monday about the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia were clarified by the White House and some intelligence experts this week, due to criticism from Israel.
On the occasion of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House, the American president indeed “gave the green light to a major arms sales agreement that includes future deliveries of F-35s.” But not just anyone.
“High end equipment”
Only “a few billion dollars” was mentioned. No details were given on the number of aircraft sold or delivery times, but according to Reuters information, the F-35s supplied to Saudi Arabia will be less advanced than the models supplied to Israel.
The move follows US law guaranteeing Israel’s military superiority in the region, US officials and defense experts said on Wednesday.
In detail, the Saudi planes will not have the characteristics of the latest generation of advanced weapons systems and electronic warfare equipment. Reuters also referred to the absence of the next-generation AIM-260 air-to-air missile being developed for fifth-generation aircraft.
Providing less advanced fighters to Saudi Arabia would allow the United States to please Israel, the only country in the Middle East to have the F-35. “I know they want you to buy smaller planes, but as far as I know, I think they’re both at a level where they have to have high-end equipment,” Donald Trump assured this week.
Beyond the difference in capabilities, Israel must also maintain a numerical advantage, having ordered a third squadron of F-35s while Saudi Arabia has had to limit deliveries to two squadrons in a few years.
It should be noted that the United States has the most efficient version in its territory, whereas other countries received less efficient fighters including Israel. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is looking for 48 fighter planes.
