The United States has confirmed its decision to move ahead with selling its most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, to Saudi Arabia.
This choice comes even as critics raise concerns about potential risks involving American military technology, especially given Saudi Arabia’s close economic ties with China.
The announcement was reaffirmed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, highlighting the geopolitical importance of the deal.
Background of the F-35 Deal
A Sensitive Sale Amid Global Concerns
President Donald Trump stated that he approved the sale despite worries that China might indirectly gain insight into the jet’s sensitive technology.
The agreement also stirred debate in Washington, as some officials fear it could disrupt Israel’s long-held military advantage in the Middle East—an important factor while the U.S. depends on Israeli backing for its Gaza peace strategy.
Israel’s Use of the F-35
Israel, already a key operator of the F-35 and one of 20 nations involved in the program, used the aircraft during its 12-day conflict with Iran in June. This shows the jet’s combat relevance and ongoing demand worldwide.
How the F-35 Program Evolved
A Long Development Journey
The first F-35 Lightning fighter rolled off the assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas almost two decades ago. While celebrated as a major technological innovation, it has also been heavily criticized due to massive cost overruns.
Production Scale and Employment
More than 1,200 F-35 jets have been manufactured, supporting nearly 300,000 jobs across the United States and Puerto Rico. The aircraft is now used by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Why the F-35 Is in High Demand
Combat Use Around the World
The F-35 has been used in missions across different regions. U.S. Marines relied on it during operations in Afghanistan, and Italian jets responded to Russian aircraft movement near Estonia as part of a NATO mission.
A Multibranch Aircraft With Mixed Reactions
The jet’s design aims to serve the needs of various branches:
- Navy F-35s launch from aircraft carriers
- Marine Corps versions can take off and land vertically
However, its multi-role design has attracted criticism for being too complex and expensive. In 2023, each jet cost up to $77 million, making it the most costly defense program in Pentagon history.
Concerns Over Chinese Cyber Access
According to a 2013 Defense Science Board report, Chinese hackers accessed information from several Pentagon programs—including the F-35. Even though the stolen data may be outdated, it raised alarms regarding technology protection.
What Makes the F-35 So Advanced
A Fifth-Generation Powerhouse
Experts like Bradley Bowman from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies describe the F-35 as the most advanced U.S. fighter, especially because American military systems are continuously modernized. This makes any previously stolen data far less valuable today.
Stealth, Sensors, and Survivability
The F-35’s stealth coatings and advanced radar and sensor systems help pilots stay undetected. As Bowman explains:
“If enemies can’t see the aircraft, they can’t shoot it down.”
It also includes high-tech communication tools that link the jet with ground forces and allied aircraft during missions.
High Costs and Delays
Despite its capabilities, the program has faced repeated delays and cost mismanagement. When the aircraft went for its first flight in 2006, expenses had already soared well beyond initial expectations.
Ongoing Challenges With the F-35 Program
A Trillion-Dollar Commitment
A recent GAO report stated that maintaining and modernizing the expected fleet of 2,470 jets over 77 years will cost more than $2 trillion. Lockheed Martin also delivered jets an average of 238 days late in the last reported year.
Readiness and Maintenance Troubles
The F-35 achieved only a 55% mission readiness rate in 2023. Delays in building maintenance facilities, supply shortages, and equipment setbacks contributed to this performance gap.
Critics Say the Jet Falls Short
Defense analyst Dan Grazier argues that:
- The stealth coating demands frequent repairs
- Sensors and camera systems have consistency issues
- The jet is expensive while not always outperforming older aircraft
He believes the F-35 tries to do “many things moderately well,” but excels in none.
Lockheed Martin’s Response
Lockheed Martin defends the program, saying the F-35 is “combat proven,” used by 20 allied nations, and essential to modern global security with more than 1 million flight hours logged.
The F-35 remains one of the most debated defense projects in U.S. history—admired for its cutting-edge technology yet criticized for its enormous cost and maintenance challenges.
As the United States moves ahead with selling the jet to Saudi Arabia, the global strategic landscape may shift further.
Despite its flaws, the F-35 continues to shape modern military power and will remain a central part of global defense systems for decades to come.
