Saudi Arabia Advances Toward F-35 Acquisition, Strengthening Air Power and Regional Deterrence

Fifth-Generation Stealth: Cutting-Edge Stealth Technology and Precision Sensor Integration

A handshake on the red carpet, a lavish official celebration, an honour guard parade, a White House banquet, warm conversations, and the signing of multiple agreements—these were the defining moments of the meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump. Among the most notable outcomes was Trump’s pledge to welcome Riyadh into the exclusive F-35 club, marking the largest arms deal in the region’s history.

This announcement ignited widespread debate both within the United States and internationally, especially given the F-35’s reputation as a game-changer in modern aerial warfare. The aircraft is seen as a cornerstone for achieving air superiority and operational flexibility for the U.S. and its allies. In this article, we will examine the significance of this development for Saudi Arabia and provide a closer look at the advanced specifications and features that set the F-35 apart.

A Defence Partnership

During Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to Washington, he and the U.S. President signed several landmark agreements, including the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defence Agreement. President Trump also announced the designation of Saudi Arabia as a “Major Non-NATO Ally”—a prestigious status reserved for close partners outside the alliance who maintain strategic military ties with the United States.

In a move that underscores the deepening political and military partnership between Washington and Riyadh, Trump pledged to approve a deal granting the Kingdom access to the F-35 Lightning II, a fighter jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin. This commitment not only signals mutual trust but also marks a significant step forward in defence cooperation. Saudi Arabia has long expressed interest in acquiring this advanced fighter jet, reportedly seeking to purchase up to 48 units in a potential multi-billion-dollar agreement. But what exactly sets the F-35 apart from other fighter aircraft?

Fifth-Generation Stealth

The F-35 is a family of fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine multirole fighter jets, renowned for their cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced sensor suites, and integrated combat networks.

According to Lockheed Martin, the F-35 stands as the most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft available to the United States and its allies. Often described as the “quarterback of the skies,” it seamlessly integrates air, land, sea, space, and cyber operations—coordinating the battlefield and delivering a decisive edge in modern warfare.

The official F-35 website highlights several standout features and technical specifications that set this aircraft apart. First and foremost is its stealth design: the F-35’s unique shape, radar-absorbing materials, and internal storage for weapons and fuel make it exceptionally difficult for adversaries to detect or target.

The aircraft is also equipped with an advanced sensor suite, featuring sophisticated systems that allow it to detect, track, and engage threats across air, land, and sea. This provides pilots with unparalleled situational awareness and a decisive edge in combat.

Another key feature is its network connectivity. The F-35 can collect, analyse, and share information in real-time, greatly enhancing coordination with allied forces and amplifying overall battlefield effectiveness. Its versatile armament allows it to carry a wide range of weapons, both internally and externally, enabling it to adapt to various mission requirements. Additionally, certain variants offer short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, expanding operational flexibility.

In terms of technical specifications, the F-35 is capable of supersonic speeds, reaching Mach 1.6 (about 1,975 km/h) while carrying a full internal payload. Its combat radius exceeds 600 nautical miles (over 1,100 km) on internal fuel. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine (a low-bypass turbofan engine equipped with an afterburner) that delivers more than 40,000 pounds of thrust, the F-35 measures approximately 15.7 meters (51.4 feet) in length, with a wingspan of 10.7 meters (35 feet) and a height of 4.38 meters (14.4 feet). The aircraft’s empty weight is around 13,290 kg (29,300 lbs), and its maximum takeoff weight is about 31,800 kg (70,000 lbs).

Three Variants

Lockheed Martin produces the F-35 in three main variants, each designed to address specific operational needs while sharing core performance characteristics and unified avionics systems. This commonality ensures streamlined maintenance and seamless interoperability across the entire F-35 fleet.

The first variant, the F-35A (Conventional Takeoff and Landing – CTOL), is primarily operated by the U.S. Air Force and most international partners. Designed for traditional air force missions, the F-35A operates from standard runways and can carry up to 5,700 lbs of internal ordnance, with the capacity for more than 18,000 lbs externally—including heavy internal weapons stations.

The second variant, the F-35B (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing – STOVL), is used mainly by the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. It is the world’s first supersonic stealth aircraft capable of vertical landing and very short takeoff, enabling operations from ships and remote or improvised airfields.

The third variant, the F-35C (Carrier Variant – CV), is tailored for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Specifically engineered for aircraft carrier operations, the F-35C features reinforced landing gear, larger wings for improved low-speed handling, and increased internal fuel capacity to support extended-range missions at sea.

Engine upgrade

Last July, Reuters reported that Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp (RTX.N), completed the preliminary design review for an engine upgrade aimed at increasing durability and performance across all three variants of the F-35 fighter jet.

RTX received full funding from the U.S. government in March for its F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU), which will modernise the F-35’s propulsion system. “Upgrading the F-35’s propulsion system to ECU is a critical step toward ensuring the F-35 remains the world’s premier air dominance fighter,” Pratt & Whitney stated.

In February, the U.S. government cleared Pratt & Whitney to resume deliveries of its F135 engine for the F-35, following a halt in December due to a safety concern. In May, the Department of Defence also resumed accepting F-35 jet deliveries from Lockheed Martin, after a brief pause that began in late March over a dispute regarding responsibility for costs related to fixing a production error discovered in 2017 that had caused corrosion.

While neither the American nor Saudi governments have revealed specific details or a timeline for the potential F-35 deal—and despite speculations that the Saudi version may be delivered with certain limitations, as well as scepticism about the agreement’s finalisation—the deal remains highly lucrative for the United States. It also supports a broader regional initiative involving many of Washington’s key partners in the Middle East.

It is essential to note that the F-135 engine upgrade marks a significant milestone in military aviation, paving the way for the transition from fifth-generation stealth aircraft to the next generation of sixth-generation fighters.

Military Deterrence

According to Global Firepower, a leading authority on military capabilities, Saudi Arabia ranks ninth globally in the number of fighter aircraft for 2025, with a fleet of 283 fighters. The Kingdom’s foreign policy emphasises de-escalation and balance, steering clear of direct involvement in major wars. This raises an important question: Why does Riyadh need such advanced aircraft?

While Saudi Arabia is not currently engaged in active conflict, it is located in a region marked by ongoing tensions and complex political challenges. Modernising its air fleet with state-of-the-art fighters like the F-35 is a crucial component of the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to safeguard security and stability.

First and foremost, these aircraft serve as a tool of strategic deterrence. Possessing advanced jets such as the F-35 compels potential adversaries to reconsider any hostile actions, providing Saudi Arabia with a powerful means to deter regional threats and reinforce its position as a key player in maintaining regional stability.

Diplomatic Power

Second, protecting national interests and ensuring future readiness. The F-35 is more than just a fighter jet—it represents entry into the elite air superiority club. Modern aircraft guarantee that the air force remains prepared to respond to any emergency. By upgrading its air power, Saudi Arabia can better safeguard its vital resources—such as oil reserves, critical infrastructure, local and international investments—from potential air or ground threats, even in times of peace. Furthermore, acquiring advanced technology supports the development of local defence industries and enhances the Kingdom’s technical expertise.

Third, strengthening diplomatic leverage. Possessing cutting-edge weaponry significantly boosts Saudi Arabia’s political influence, both regionally and internationally. Nations with modern military capabilities hold a stronger hand in negotiations and are better positioned to secure favourable terms. Additionally, modernising Saudi Arabia’s air military fleet promotes closer cooperation with Western allies – such as the United States – through joint training, intelligence sharing, and interoperability, further reinforcing its standing within international alliances.

While neither the American nor Saudi governments have revealed specific details or a timeline for the potential F-35 deal—and despite concerns that the Saudi version may be delivered with certain limitations, as well as scepticism about the agreement’s finalisation—the deal remains highly lucrative for the United States. It also supports a broader regional initiative involving many of Washington’s key partners in the Middle East.