Saudi Arabia, a traditional ally of the United States, has been keen on acquiring the stealthy F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet for years. However, with the Pentagon dragging its feet, the kingdom is reportedly looking for an alternative.
With an eye on adding more teeth to its air power amid evolving security challenges from rogue state and non-state actors in the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia officially expressed interest in the acquisition of F-35 stealth aircraft in 2017, days after a similar request was made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, the cash-rich kingdom has encountered multiple impediments in purchasing the stealthy US combat aircraft. For one, Saudi Arabia has been accused of carrying out widespread human rights violations and civilian deaths through its intervention in Yemen’s civil war.