US Plans F-35 Fighter Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump has confirmed an agreement to sell the F-35 fighter jet to Saudi Arabia. This decision has been met with concerns regarding potential Chinese access to the aircraft's technology and the impact on Israel's qualitative military advantage in the region. Saudi Arabia's primary trading partner is China.
The sale was reiterated during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington. Israel is among 19 other nations that either possess the F-35 or have agreements for its acquisition. Israel utilized the F-35 during a 12-day conflict with Iran in June.
The F-35 Lightning II Program
The F-35 Lightning II program commenced nearly two decades ago in Fort Worth, Texas. Since its inception, over 1,200 of these stealth jets have been manufactured. Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor, states that the program supports nearly 300,000 jobs across its supply chain in 49 states and Puerto Rico. The jets are operational with the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines.
Operational Use and Design
F-35s have been deployed in combat operations, with U.S. Marines using them against targets in Afghanistan. Italian F-35s participated in a NATO response to Russian aircraft in Estonian airspace in September.
The aircraft was designed to meet the diverse requirements of three different military branches. For example, the Navy variant is launched from aircraft carriers, while the Marine Corps' version features vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
Costs and Development Challenges
The F-35 program is the most expensive defense spending initiative in Pentagon history. In 2023, each F-35 unit cost up to $77 million, according to the Congressional Research Service. The program has experienced cost overruns and delays throughout its development.
A 2013 report by the Defense Science Board alleged that Chinese cyberattacks accessed data from multiple Pentagon programs, including the joint strike fighter. Bradley Bowman, senior director at the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that continuous updates to U.S. military systems mitigate the impact of older stolen secrets.
Advanced Capabilities
Described as a fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 incorporates advanced technologies such as stealth coatings, sophisticated radar, and sensors. Bowman emphasized that the aircraft's stealth capabilities make it difficult for adversaries to detect. He also highlighted its advanced sensors for enemy detection and networking features for communication with allied forces during combat.
Program Readiness and Costs
A September report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated that maintaining, operating, and modernizing the projected 2,470 F-35 planes over a 77-year lifecycle would exceed $2 trillion. The GAO also reported that Lockheed delivered 110 aircraft in 2023, with an average delay of 238 days per delivery, an increase from 61 days in 2023.
In 2023, the F-35's mission-capable rate was approximately 55%, falling below program targets. This was attributed to delays in establishing maintenance facilities, inadequate equipment, and supply chain issues.
Dan Grazier, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, has characterized the F-35 program as a failure, citing extensive maintenance requirements for its stealth coating and problems with its camera system. He contended that despite its "transformational combat capability," an aircraft's reliability is paramount. Grazier also suggested that the F-35, designed to replace multiple older aircraft, performs "a lot of things kind of well, but it doesn't do anything great" while incurring significant costs.
Lockheed Martin has responded to criticisms, stating that "The F-35 is the cornerstone of the battlespace for 20 allied nations, enabling peace through strength." The company affirmed its combat-proven status, advanced capability, and technology, noting over 1 million hours flown and more than 1,255 aircraft in service as an "indispensable contributor to global security."