Any Saudi F-35 sale must safeguard Israel’s military edge, expert tells 'Post'

A national-security expert, Jonathan Ruhe of JINSA, stated that any potential US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia must first resolve two key issues. The State Department has approved a possible $24.3 billion deal for 48 F-35A jets, which now awaits congressional review. Ruhe emphasized that the sale must safeguard Israel's qualitative military edge (QME), a legally mandated US commitment, and integrate Saudi Arabia into a US-led regional security architecture. He stated, "America must show leadership on integrating Saudi Arabia into a new regional security architecture, and Riyadh also needs to show it's a committed partner before it can obtain F-35s." The second concern involves Saudi Arabia's defense and technology ties with China, with US intelligence reportedly worried about potential Chinese espionage or access to sensitive F-35 technology. Ruhe argued that Washington has leverage to demand an end to these ties in exchange for advanced US arms.