Israel Seeks Advanced Arms Amidst US Approval of F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli media outlets have reported that Tel Aviv intends to request advanced armaments and systems that the United States has previously withheld from Israel. This comes in response to Washington’s decision to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli website Walla, citing informed sources, indicated that Israeli officials will present this request as a form of ‘compensation’ for Washington’s agreement to sell F-35s to Riyadh. The report suggests that Israel’s focus will extend beyond advanced next-generation stealth aircraft, with the regime also seeking U.S. cooperation in the development and production of space-based weaponry and interceptor aircraft.
Israeli officials are also seeking access to certain advanced weapons that the U.S. has not yet authorized for sale to the regime, including bunker-buster munitions and subterranean systems capable of operating in rocky depths. Automated offensive systems and drone networks have also been identified as key Israeli priorities.
On Thursday, the United States approved the potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion. The package includes 49 engines, communication equipment, spare parts, electronic warfare support, training, and logistical services. The finalization of this deal is contingent on review processes within the U.S. Congress.
Should this contract be finalized, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab nation to receive the F-35 fighter jet. Israel is currently the sole operator of this aircraft in the Middle East. However, according to the Walla report, even if the contract is signed swiftly, the delivery of the first fighter jets to Saudi Arabia is likely to take approximately five years.
Reports from Israeli media also indicate that Tel Aviv may pursue U.S. participation in the development and production of future-generation interceptors for the Arrow 4 and Arrow 5 systems, as well as funding to establish a third F-15 squadron and expand its existing F-35 fleet.
