Israel to Demand "Compensation" from US for F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia — Media

Israel wants to ask the US for "compensation" for the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia — Media

The US has informed Israel of its plan to sell $25 billion worth of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. For this reason, Israel intends to demand "compensation" from Washington in the form of military technologies and weapons systems.

According to a Walla source, the Israeli military did not want any other country in the Middle East to have fighter jets like the F-35. Such a situation could have helped maintain Israel's military superiority in the region.

At the same time, even if the deal is signed in the coming days, Saudi Arabia is expected to receive its first F-35 aircraft only in five years.

The Israeli military emphasizes that the country's air force still has a significant advantage over other countries possessing F-35 aircraft. This advantage is explained, in particular, by the extensive combat experience gained by Israeli pilots over the past three years, as well as the ability to integrate Israeli-developed weapon systems into the F-35 — the "Adir" aircraft in the Israeli armed forces.

In addition, Israel has an "Adir" test aircraft used to develop advanced technologies for the F-35. It is noted that the US does not have such an aircraft.

Another source in the Israeli security system said that the superiority of the air force is "not only in the aircraft itself, but, above all, in the people."

Israel intends to demand new weapons from the US

Against the backdrop of the potential F-35 deal between Saudi Arabia and the US, as well as the arms race in the Middle East, Israel intends to renegotiate future arms purchases with the US administration.

As "compensation," Israel may demand the opportunity to purchase weapon systems that the US previously did not authorize for sale. The country also wants to participate in the development and production of classified weapon systems.

The Israeli military's focus is not only on modern combat aircraft and next-generation stealth fighters, but also on the development of space weapons, as well as cooperation with the US on the development and production of interceptor missiles for the "Hetz-4" and "Hetz-5" missile defense systems.

The US has not yet authorized the sale of certain modern types of weapons to Israel. Among them are means to destroy fortified underground facilities, deep underground penetration systems, autonomous strike weapons, and drones.

Currently, Israel is finding it difficult to finance a third F-15 squadron and additional F-35 squadrons.

This week, budget-related issues, disagreements between ministries, as well as conflicts between the coalition and the opposition suspended deals for the purchase of Apache combat helicopters. This situation has also negatively affected the production of interceptor missiles for missile defense.

Earlier, on September 17, the US State Department approved Lockheed Martin's sale of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

According to the State Department, Congressional approval is also required for the sale of the fighter jets. The proposal, valued at $24.3 billion, includes 48 military aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communication equipment, and other auxiliary gear.