Saudi F-35 Sale Risks Exposing Fighter Technology to China
Internal U.S. assessments say Chinese access at Saudi bases and telecom networks could expose sensitive F-35 radar and surveillance systems, officials said.
- The New York Times reported yesterday that intelligence officials warned a proposed $24 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia could grant China access to sensitive American military technology.
- President Donald Trump signaled support for the sale in November 2025, though the Defense Intelligence Agency raised general concerns about the arrangement during an assessment in the fall of 2025.
- Intelligence reports specifically cite risks involving Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE, while Saudi Arabia has developed defense ties with Beijing that could enable espionage regarding F-35 advanced radar systems.
- The State Department submitted the proposed package of 48 fighters in June 2026, prompting some lawmakers to press the administration for answers amid concerns about Israel's regional military advantage.
- Similar intelligence warnings previously stalled an F-35 sale to the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the ongoing challenge of protecting American military technology from potential Chinese espionage concerns.
53 Articles
53 Articles
US clears way for $24.3 billion fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON, Sept 17 - The US Department of State said on Thursday it has approved the potential sale of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is drawn deeper into war in the Middle East. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The US government has approved the possible sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion. The package includes engines and support, and Congress has 30 days to review it.
The State Department has notified Congress of its plan to sell up to 48 F-35 to Saudi Arabia worth $24.3 billion. (ANSA)
Al-Monitor
US clears way for $24.3 billion military aircraft sale to Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia, it said on Thursday as the kingdom has been drawn deeper into the Middle East war.The estimated $24.3 billion sale would include 48 of the military aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines along with communications equipment, spare parts and other support items, the depart…
Analysts warn Beijing could gain access to sensitive fighter jet technology through espionage or military cooperation with Riyadh, according to The New York Times
U.S. Intelligence Concerns Over F-35 Sales to Saudi Arabia… "Potential for Technology Leak to China"
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim A-ram = U.S. intelligence authorities suspect that the U.S. government's sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could lead to China acquiring related technology...
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