Defense & Military
US Plans F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Impacting Middle East Military Dynamics
The US aims to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, shifting regional defense ties but raising Israel security and tech concerns.
A New Strategic Chessboard: US Announces F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
In a move poised to reshape the military landscape of the Middle East, former US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to sell the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The declaration, made on November 17, 2025, from the Oval Office, is more than a simple arms transaction; it signals a significant potential shift in US foreign policy and regional power dynamics. This sale has been a long-term goal for Saudi Arabia, which has reportedly been seeking to acquire the advanced fifth-generation Military-Aircraft since at least 2017. The timing of the announcement is strategically significant, coming just before a scheduled visit to Washington by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his first in over seven years.
The proposed deal is not happening in a vacuum. It is understood to be a cornerstone of a much broader and more complex series of negotiations between Washington and Riyadh. These discussions reportedly encompass a potential mutual defense pact, American assistance for a civilian nuclear program in the Kingdom, and significant Saudi investment in US AI infrastructure. The F-35 sale, therefore, acts as a high-profile component of a deepening strategic alignment. However, the move immediately raises critical questions about regional stability, particularly concerning the long-standing US commitment to maintaining Israel’s “Qualitative Military Edge” (QME), as Israel is currently the only nation in the Middle East to operate the stealth fighter.
As we break down the components of this announcement, it becomes clear that the path to final Delivery is layered with geopolitical complexities and significant hurdles. The decision will be scrutinized by allies, adversaries, and the US Congress, each weighing the strategic benefits against the potential risks. The implications extend far beyond a single weapons platform, touching on everything from counter-terrorism and regional deterrence to technology security and the intricate diplomatic dance of Middle Eastern alliances.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Deal
What’s on the Table?
The proposed agreement involves the sale of up to 48 F-35A fighter jets to the Royal Saudi Air Force. The total value of this package is estimated to be approximately $4 billion, with the cost per aircraft ranging from $80 million to $110 million, depending on the specific variant and configuration. This is a substantial investment in one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, a platform often described as a “quarterback in the sky” for its unparalleled capabilities in stealth, advanced sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare. Its ability to gather, process, and share vast amounts of battlefield data makes it a formidable force multiplier.
From the Saudi perspective, acquiring the F-35 is a critical element of its “Vision 2030” initiative, a national blueprint for economic and social reform that includes the comprehensive modernization of its armed forces. The Kingdom views the F-35 as essential for bolstering its security architecture, particularly in deterring regional threats attributed to Iran. The purchase would not only upgrade its aerial capabilities but also serve as a powerful reaffirmation of its strategic Partnerships with the United States, solidifying its status as the largest customer for American arms.
Former President Trump’s confirmation of the sale was direct and unambiguous. Speaking to reporters, he framed the deal as a natural extension of a strong alliance, stating, “I will say that we will be doing that… We’ll be selling F-35s.” He further described Saudi Arabia as a “great ally,” underscoring the administration’s view of the partnership’s importance. This public endorsement sets the stage for the formal process, but it is only the beginning of a long and potentially contentious journey toward final approval and delivery.
The F-35 sale is linked to a wider set of strategic agreements, including a formal defense pact with the US and cooperation on civilian nuclear technology and artificial intelligence.
Regional Ripples and Hurdles Ahead
The most immediate and significant repercussion of the proposed sale is its impact on Israel’s security. For decades, US policy in the Middle East has been anchored by the principle of maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME), ensuring it possesses superior military capabilities to any combination of regional adversaries. The introduction of the F-35 to another nation in the region directly challenges this long-standing doctrine. Consequently, the Israeli government has expressed serious concerns, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have formally objected to the sale, warning that it could undermine the nation’s critical air superiority.
Beyond the QME, significant concerns have been raised within the US defense and intelligence communities regarding the security of the F-35’s highly sensitive technology. A Pentagon intelligence report has reportedly highlighted the risks of this technology being compromised or inadvertently leaked to strategic competitors like China, given Saudi Arabia’s expanding economic and defense ties with Beijing. These concerns are not theoretical; a previous deal to sell the F-35 to the United Arab Emirates was frozen by the Biden administration due to similar worries about the security protocols surrounding the aircraft’s advanced systems.
Ultimately, the fate of the deal rests with the US Congress. Any major arms sale of this nature requires congressional approval, and this one is expected to face a rigorous and potentially divisive debate. While many House Republicans are reportedly supportive, viewing the sale as a necessary step to bolster a key partner against Iranian influence, opposition is expected to be fierce. Concerns over regional stability, human rights, and the technology security risks will likely fuel a significant challenge. Some analysts have also suggested the sale should be conditioned on Saudi Arabia normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel, a stipulation that was part of the UAE negotiations but does not appear to be a precondition in this announcement.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk with an Uncertain Outcome
The announcement of the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia represents a calculated and consequential move in the high-stakes geopolitics of the Middle East. On one hand, it aims to cement a critical strategic alliance, empower a partner to deter regional aggression, and support the US defense industry. It is presented as a logical step in a deepening partnership that spans defense, energy, and technology. The deal is framed as a forward-looking Strategy to create a more robust security network with a key American ally.
On the other hand, the proposal introduces a host of complex risks and challenges. It directly confronts the foundational US policy of preserving Israel’s military edge, potentially destabilizing a delicate regional balance. Furthermore, it brings to the forefront legitimate concerns about protecting cutting-edge military technology. The path forward through the US Congress is uncertain, and the ensuing debate will force a national conversation about the priorities and future direction of American foreign policy in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The final outcome will send a clear signal about how the United States intends to manage its alliances and project power for years to come.
FAQ
Question: What is the F-35 Lightning II?
Answer: The F-35 is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. It is renowned for its advanced sensors, network-centric warfare capabilities, and stealth technology, which allows it to operate undetected in hostile airspace. It is often referred to as a “quarterback in the sky” for its ability to manage the battlespace.
Question: Why is this sale to Saudi Arabia considered controversial?
Answer: The controversy stems from several key issues. First, it could alter the military balance of power in the Middle East and challenge the long-standing US commitment to maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME). Second, there are significant concerns about the security of the F-35’s sensitive technology and the risk of it being compromised. Finally, the deal will face scrutiny in the US Congress over these and other concerns.
Question: Is the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia a done deal?
Answer: No. The former president’s announcement is the first step in a long process. The proposed sale must undergo a formal review and requires approval from the US Congress, where it is expected to face significant debate and potential opposition before it can be finalized.
Sources: Military Times, Research Report provided on November 18, 2025.
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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