President Trump has agreed to sell the F-35 fighter jet to Saudi Arabia amid concerns regarding Chinese access to sensitive technologies. This sale, reaffirmed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, raises apprehensions about Israel’s military edge, as it already operates the F-35. Critics have highlighted the F-35 program’s cost overruns, maintenance challenges, and readiness issues, questioning its effectiveness compared to earlier aircraft. However, proponents, including Lockheed Martin, assert that the F-35 remains a cornerstone of modern military capabilities, crucial for allied nations and global security, with over 1,200 units delivered and millions of operational hours logged. The implications of this sale extend beyond military readiness, affecting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.