Washington is paving the way for a major upgrade of Saudi Arabia’s air power. On September 17, the US State Department approved the potential sale of 48 F-35A stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, in a deal valued at $24.3 billion. The package also includes 49 F135 engines, equipment, spare parts, training and logistical support. The sale must still go through the US congressional review process.
The announcement comes as Riyadh is once again directly involved in the war in Yemen. Fighting has intensified between the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemeni government forces supported by Saudi Arabia. The rebels have also stepped up missile and drone attacks against the kingdom. On September 17, falling debris from an intercepted drone killed one person in Taif.
What About Israel’s Military Edge?
Against this backdrop, the F-35 would provide Riyadh with significantly more advanced stealth, intelligence and air combat capabilities. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently relies primarily on US-made F-15s and Eurofighter Typhoons, while the Houthis claimed this week to have shot down a Saudi F-15 over Yemen. That claim has not been independently verified.
But the potential deal also has major regional implications. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35. Delivering the aircraft to Saudi Arabia would therefore alter a privileged position Israel has enjoyed for years. US law also requires Washington to preserve Israel’s “qualitative military edge”, meaning its ability to maintain a technological advantage over other armed forces in the region. Such a sale would mark a significant shift in US policy and could affect the regional military balance of power.
The stakes therefore extend far beyond the modernisation of Saudi Arabia’s air force. With the war in Yemen once again putting the kingdom on the front line and tensions with Iran remaining high, the potential acquisition of 48 F-35s would significantly strengthen Riyadh’s military capabilities, while requiring Washington to reconcile its deepening defence relationship with Saudi Arabia with its long-standing commitment to maintaining Israel’s military edge.
Source: Reuters