Qatar submits a formal request to the United States to purchase “F-35” fighters
Deal could lead to tension in US relations with both Saudi Arabia and Israel
Jerusalem24 – Reuters quoted informed sources as saying that the Qatari government has submitted a formal request to the United States to purchase American “F-35” stealth fighters.
Three sources told the agency that the Qatari request for the aircraft manufactured by “Lockheed Martin” had been submitted in recent weeks.
Reuters indicated that signing this deal could lead to tension in US relations with both Saudi Arabia and Israel. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has repeatedly affirmed his refusal to conclude a similar deal between the United States and the UAE, despite the latter’s conclusion on September 15 of a historic agreement to normalize relations with Israel.
The Lockheed Martin F35 Lightning II, is the newest generation of American strike craft. The aircraft first produced in 2006 cost 428.4 billion over the course of several years. The F35 is to replace the aging F16 as a multi-role aircraft with stealth capabilities, with the potential for electronic warfare, air-to-surface strikes, air-to-air combat in addition to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
