The Israel Air Force and security officials are closely monitoring the interest of regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, in acquiring the F-35 stealth fighter from the United States.
A sale of the F-35 could challenge the IDF's qualitative military edge in the Middle East.
In 2020, the United Arab Emirates officially requested to purchase the F-35; however, the deal did not proceed due to various reasons. Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain have also expressed interest.
Security sources told Walla that talks are ongoing, and any sale would require US approval. Once the US approves the process, the purchasing nation must submit a formal request for Congressional approval. Israeli officials warn that if the US considers selling the F-35 to other countries in the region, Israel may need to reassess its strategy.
Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry is closely monitoring the F-47 fighter jet project, a sixth-generation aircraft. Boeing won the $20 billion contract, expected to replace the F-22. The F-47 is scheduled for operational service with the US military between 2027 and 2029.
Within the F-35 program, several radar systems exist, and Israel maintains an advantage due to the integration of Israeli-made systems. These systems enhance intelligence gathering and lethality, offering capabilities not found in other aircraft. If Arab nations acquire the F-35, the US could limit its capabilities, which could restrict Israel's advantage.
F-47 is expected to outperform the F-35 stealth jet
The F-47 is expected to outperform the F-35 with a range of 1,800 km and speeds above Mach two. It will feature next-generation stealth technology, artificial intelligence, and a broader array of armaments. The aircraft is expected to cost around $170 million per unit. Currently, the aircraft is still in the testing phase, with no official specifications or export map released.
Israel's security establishment is preparing for the next US security assistance memorandum. The 2016 agreement, valued at $38 billion, will be updated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested the new agreement may include changes that are not necessarily favorable to Israel.
The Israeli Air Force's F-35 fleet has been crucial in ensuring superiority in seven theaters of operation, inflicting significant costs on Israel's adversaries, including in the third circle. Maintaining air technological superiority will be a key condition in any future US assistance agreement, especially as the Middle East continues to develop advanced weaponry.