The Israeli military on Sunday submitted an official document to the political leadership of Israel expressing explicit objections to the sale of advanced fighter jets F-35 by the US to Saudi Arabia.

According to the document, Israel’s air superiority could be undermined if other Middle East countries acquire the advanced stealth aircraft, an issue about which the country’s government has repeatedly expressed concern in the past.

Israel is keen to maintain its qualitative military advantage in the region by having the most advanced aircraft and in the past has made efforts to prevent the sale of F-35s to other neighboring countries, including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

The Israeli military confirmed that it“presented its positions on the issue to the political leadership.”

Today, Israel is the only country in the Middle East with an F-35 in its arsenal, with 45 aircraft in service and another 30 on order.

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Even if the sale goes ahead, it will take at least seven years for the first aircraft to be delivered.