Israel seeks US weapons 'compensation' after Saudi F-35 deal
Israel seeks US weapons 'compensation' after Saudi F-35 deal Submitted by MEE staff on Sat, 09/19/2026 - 11:50 Tel Aviv reportedly wants advanced systems to preserve its military edge after Washington approved 48 F-35s for Riyadh A US Air Force F-35 is displayed during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, 15 June 2025 (Thomas Samson/AFP) Off Israel plans to seek additional US…
Tel Aviv is reportedly seeking advanced US weapons and defense capabilities to maintain its military edge following Washington's approval of a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Israeli media sources indicate that Israeli officials are expected to request additional US weapons systems, including space-based weapons, interceptor aircraft, and bunker-busting munitions, in compensation for the US decision.
The sale, which still requires congressional approval, would make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to operate F-35s, while Israel remains the only Middle Eastern nation with this capability.
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