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Could the Middle East be the next target for the F-35A?

17th November 2025 - 13:20 GMT | by Isolde Hatgis-Kessell in London, UK

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The F-35A features advanced stealth capabilities. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

The Pentagon has indicated a growing willingness to export advanced US defence technology to nations in the Middle East – excluding Israel – resulting in new and resumed talks with Saudi Arabia and Turkey respectively.

As the Trump administration strengthens its ties with countries across the Middle East, new potential export opportunities for American defence equipment are arising. The F-35A, one of the most sought-after and advanced platforms in the aerospace industry, has been of interest to multiple Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft, featuring advanced stealth capabilities and technology including electronic warfare systems, radars and sensors. The aircraft affords operators an information advantage during use through its ability to offer real-time data sharing with other platforms and advanced detective

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