Saudi Arabia Signals Plan to Buy Up to 48 F-35 Jets at World Defense Show 2026

A mock-up of the F-35 Lightning II bearing the Saudi flag has been prominently showcased at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, reinforcing strong indications that Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing the acquisition of up to 48 F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets.

The display, combined with demonstration flyovers of F-35 aircraft marked with Saudi national insignia, marks the most visible public signal to date of Riyadh’s long-rumoured ambition to join the small group of states operating the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.

High-Profile Signal at World Defense Show 2026

The World Defense Show, hosted in the Saudi capital, has become a central platform for the Kingdom to project its defence ambitions under Vision 2030. The appearance of an F-35 mock-up carrying Saudi markings was widely interpreted by defence analysts as a strategic message rather than a marketing coincidence.

Mock-ups of sensitive platforms such as the F-35 are rarely displayed without political clearance, particularly given the aircraft’s strict export controls and the United States’ oversight of all foreign sales.

Planned Acquisition: Up to 48 F-35s

According to defence industry sources, Saudi Arabia is planning to acquire up to 48 F-35 fighter jets, a fleet size sufficient to equip two full squadrons and establish a credible fifth-generation air combat capability.

If approved, the deal would represent one of the most significant shifts in Gulf airpower in decades, elevating the Royal Saudi Air Force into the same technological tier as Israel and select NATO allies.

Demo Flyovers Reinforce Strategic Messaging

In parallel with the static display, demo flyovers featuring F-35s painted with Saudi flags were conducted during the event, further amplifying speculation that negotiations have moved beyond conceptual discussions.

Such flyovers are carefully choreographed political signals, typically used to:

• Normalise the idea of future ownership
• Build domestic and regional acceptance
• Demonstrate alignment with supplier nations

Defence observers note that this approach mirrors earlier pathways taken by countries that eventually secured F-35 approvals.

Political and Strategic Context Behind the F-35 Push

Saudi interest in the F-35 Lightning II must be understood within a broader regional and geopolitical context.

Riyadh is seeking to:

• Maintain airpower parity with Israel, which already operates F-35s
• Counter Iran’s expanding missile, UAV, and air-defence networks
• Reduce reliance on ageing fourth-generation platforms
• Anchor long-term defence ties with the United States

The acquisition would also align with Saudi Arabia’s push to modernise its armed forces while localising defence industries through offsets, maintenance hubs, and training infrastructure.

The Israel Factor and U.S. Approval Process

Any Saudi F-35 deal would require explicit approval from the United States, with particular attention to Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME)—a long-standing U.S. policy ensuring Israel maintains regional military superiority.

While this has historically constrained advanced arms sales to Arab states, shifting regional dynamics, Saudi-Israeli de-escalation signals, and evolving U.S. strategic priorities have reopened discussions that were previously considered politically impossible.

Analysts suggest that any approval would likely involve:

• Configuration limitations
• Phased deliveries
• Enhanced Israeli capabilities in parallel

Transformational Impact on Gulf Airpower

If realised, a Saudi F-35 fleet would fundamentally reshape Gulf airpower dynamics. The stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities of the F-35 would allow Saudi Arabia to conduct:

• Deep-strike missions
• Advanced air-defence suppression
• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance at scale

This would significantly complicate adversary planning and strengthen deterrence across the Arabian Peninsula.

Still No Official Confirmation — But Signals Are Strong

Neither Riyadh nor Washington has formally confirmed an F-35 sale. However, the combination of:

• A Saudi-marked F-35 mock-up
• Demonstration flyovers
• Repeated media reports of a 48-jet requirement
• And the choice of the World Defense Show as the venue

suggests that Saudi Arabia is deliberately preparing the strategic narrative for a future F-35 acquisition.

For defence analysts, the message from Riyadh is clear: the Kingdom intends to be a fifth-generation airpower state, and it is signalling that ambition openly for the first time.