Israel to Seek U.S. Weapons Compensation After Saudi F-35 Sale

Israeli officials said they plan to ask Washington for weapons systems it previously withheld after the United States informed the Prime Minister's Office of an intended roughly $25 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia. Expected requests include bunker-busting munitions, autonomous strike systems, drone swarms and participation in Arrow 4 and Arrow 5 development. Officials said Riyadh's first delivery would be at least five years away even if an agreement is signed soon. They argued that Israel's combat experience, Israeli-integrated systems and unique Adir test aircraft help preserve its qualitative military edge.