A major twist has emerged in the Saudi-US F-35 deal, with reports revealing an F-35 downgrade that some view as a possible “deception.” Instead of receiving the same advanced jets as Israel, Saudi Arabia will get less capable versions, a decision linked to the US policy of protecting Israel’s military superiority.
A Turning Point in the Deal: The F-35 Downgrade Issue
During the Crown Prince’s visit to the White House, President Trump openly discussed the US intention to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. These aircraft are among the most advanced fighter jets in the world, known for stealth capabilities, modern weapons, and cutting-edge technology. For Saudi Arabia, the deal seemed like a major step toward modernizing its air force.
However, this excitement changed when Axios reported that Saudi Arabia would not receive the same advanced version of the F-35 that Israel operates. Instead, the jets would come with a clear F-35 downgrade, removing some of the most important combat features. This news was reportedly shared directly by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The F-35 downgrade came as a surprise because earlier discussions suggested that Saudi Arabia would receive top-tier technology. President Trump himself had previously said that Israel preferred Saudi Arabia to get less capable jets, hinting at the issue long before it became public.
Besides the fighter jet discussions, Trump also revealed that Saudi Arabia planned to buy around 300 American tanks, showing continued defense cooperation between the two nations.
Why the US Pushed the F-35 Downgrade: Israel’s QME Policy
The main reason behind the F-35 downgrade is the American policy called Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME). This law requires the United States to ensure that Israel always has a stronger and more advanced military than any other country in the Middle East. It is a key part of America’s long-term security partnership with Israel.
Israel already operates two squadrons of advanced F-35s and has ordered a third. These jets include highly advanced technology that gives Israel a major advantage in the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is expected to receive two squadrons, but their delivery will take several years, giving Israel a continued lead.
Erdogan Hails ‘New Era’ with Trump: Halkbank Sanctions Near End, F-35 Deal Resurfaces
According to reports, the F-35 downgrade affects several important systems, including:
- Advanced electronic warfare tools
- Radar-jamming technology
- High-end weapon systems
These systems are what make the F-35 extremely effective in air combat and stealth missions. Without them, the jets delivered to Saudi Arabia will have reduced capabilities. Although still modern, they will not match the performance of Israel’s F-35 fleet.
The Pentagon reportedly worries that giving Saudi Arabia the full F-35 package could weaken Israel’s military advantage. These concerns have led US and Israeli officials to hold intense discussions to ensure the QME policy remains fully protected.
Reports also suggest that Israel might push for additional guarantees from the United States, possibly linking the F-35 deal to future political normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. This connection adds another layer of complexity to an already sensitive matter.
High-Level Talks and Reactions
The F-35 downgrade has triggered extensive consultations between the US and Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly held repeated discussions with Israeli leaders to clarify how the US-Saudi deal will align with America’s security commitments.
Media reports from Bloomberg earlier suggested that Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were preparing to finalize a major F-35 sale during the Washington visit. At that time, officials did not publicly share any details about the F-35 downgrade.
Saudi Arabia has worked to strengthen its defense system because of regional competition and rising tensions with Iran. Receiving the full, advanced F-35 version would have significantly improved its military forces. However, the announcement of the F-35 downgrade is now expected to influence Saudi Arabia’s defense planning, since the jets will no longer match the level it originally expected.
The evolving situation highlights how strongly the United States prioritizes Israel’s security within its foreign policy, even when dealing with other major allies. While the US continues its defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the F-35 downgrade shows that the QME policy remains a powerful factor in all US arms sales in the region.