U.S. fears Saudi F-35 sale could expose sensitive aircraft technology to China

U.S. intelligence agencies have flagged concerns over a potential $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, fearing China could gain access to sensitive technology through espionage or Riyadh's military and tech ties with Beijing, the New York Times reported. The State Department submitted the proposal for informal congressional review in June.

Officials are particularly worried about the F-35's radar and intelligence systems, and whether facilities storing related technology could be adequately secured. Saudi Arabia's use of telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE adds to the concern, and Israel, the only Middle Eastern country currently operating F-35s, has its own stake given U.S. policy on maintaining its military edge.

A nearly identical worry sank a UAE F-35 sale under the Biden administration, which reviewed the deal over Abu Dhabi's China ties before halting it. President Trump has said he intends to approve the Saudi sale despite the intelligence community's flagged risks.

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