Archive · 17 Sep 2026
U.S. Intelligence Warns China Could Access F-35 Technology
The United States is considering selling many F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
The possible sale could cost about $24 billion.
U.S. intelligence officials are worried that China might try to learn secret information about the jets.
They say this could happen through spying in Saudi Arabia.
They also worry that China’s growing security relationship with Saudi Arabia could create another way to access information.
The reports do not say that China has already obtained the technology.
They describe a possible future risk connected to the proposed sale.
U.S. intelligence officials have raised concerns about possible Chinese espionage linked to a proposed F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia.
The proposed deal is valued at about $24 billion and would involve dozens of advanced F-35 fighter jets.
American officials cited by The New York Times said China might obtain F-35 technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia.
Analysts also warned that China’s growing military and security partnership with Saudi Arabia could provide access to sensitive technology.
The reports describe potential risks, not confirmed Chinese access to F-35 technology.
- Who
- U.S. intelligence officials, China, and Saudi Arabia are central to the report.
- What
- Officials are concerned that China could gain access to F-35 technology through a proposed sale of the jets to Saudi Arabia.
- Where
- The potential espionage risk is associated with Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Analysts fear China could use espionage or its military and security partnership with Saudi Arabia to obtain sensitive F-35 technology.
- Proposed deal
- A sale of dozens of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
- Estimated value
- About $24 billion
- Security concern
- Potential Chinese espionage involving F-35 technology
- Potential access route
- Espionage operations in Saudi Arabia
- Additional concern
- China’s growing military and security partnership with Saudi Arabia
- Source cited
- American officials cited by The New York Times