Should The U.S. Sell The F-35 To Saudi Arabia?

Image: U.S. Air Force (Photo by 1st Lt. Erik D. Anthony)

Shimon Arad, War On The Rocks: The United States Shouldn’t Sell the F-35 to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia wants to purchase Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighter jet. The aircraft is the most advanced fighter in the world, and it would give Riyadh a major military advantage in the Gulf. In addition, acquiring the F-35 would deepen its ties with Washington at a crucial moment. Its military campaign in Yemen and the shocking murder of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 has dealt major reputational damage to Saudi Arabia in the United States, particularly in Congress. A lucrative defense purchase won’t entirely reverse this trend, but it could be a first step.

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WNU Editor: Israeli security concerns aside, I  think it is only a question of time before a U.S. - Saudi F-35 deal is announced. There is just too much money involved, and the Saudis will look upon such a sale as a reaffirmation on the U.S. commitment to work with Saudi Arabia.