US Says Saudi Air Force Will Receive Less Advanced F-35s Amid Controversial Defense Deal

U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., have confirmed that any F-35 Lightning II aircraft sold to Saudi Arabia under a new strategic defense pact will be less advanced than the versions already flying with Israel. This will allow the company to preserve Israel’s legally mandated qualitative military edge within the region, a strategic priority the Department of War has been quick to reinforce.