Israel seeks US 'compensation' over Saudi F-35 deal: Report
Israel is likely to demand "compensation" from the United States for access to advanced weapons systems previously withheld from Tel Aviv, in response to Washington’s plan to supply F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under a $25 billion deal.
The Hebrew-language news outlet Walla, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported on Friday that the Israeli military wants to remain the sole operator of the fifth-generation stealth fighters in West Asia, arguing that the move would help preserve the regime’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the region.
The agreement would mark the first time an Arab state has been authorized to acquire the F-35, the US military’s most advanced fighter jet.
Even if finalized soon, however, Saudi Arabia would not receive its first F-35s for about five years.
US officials said the aircraft would also lack the full range of technological enhancements incorporated into Israel’s F-35 fleet.
Tel Aviv intends to utilize the deal as a bargaining chip to solicit Washington's approval for involvement in the creation and production of classified US weapons systems, including orbital-based weapons platforms, the anonymous source cited by Walla disclosed.
Israel is also expected to seek US involvement in developing and manufacturing several of its indigenous weapons systems, including missile-defense interceptors for the Arrow 4 and Arrow 5 platforms.
Israel additionally seeks to acquire advanced weapons that Washington has previously withheld from Tel Aviv, including bunker-busting munitions capable of penetrating deep underground, autonomous strike systems, and coordinated networks of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Furthermore, Israel may seek additional US funding to establish a third F-15 squadron and expand its F-35 fleet, initiatives Israeli officials say are currently facing financial constraints.
The US State Department has notified Congress that it plans to sell Saudi Arabia up to 48 F-35 warplanes.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets would be expedited under a fresh defense partnership with the United States, sealed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recent official visit to the White House.
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