Archive · 17 Sep 2026
US Intelligence Warns China Could Access Saudi F-35 Technology
The United States is considering selling Saudi Arabia as many as 48 F-35 fighter jets.
These planes contain very advanced equipment, including radar, sensors, communications, and computer systems.
US intelligence officials worry that China could learn about this technology through Saudi Arabia.
They are concerned about Chinese military cooperation, personnel, and technology used in Saudi infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia has worked with China on missiles and other defense activities.
Officials are also asking whether Chinese telecommunications equipment could be removed from sensitive networks.
Israel already operates a specially modified version of the F-35, so the sale could affect its military advantage.
The United States may require strict security rules if the sale proceeds.
The proposal has passed an early Pentagon review, but deliveries would take several years and more checks are required.
A confidential Defense Intelligence Agency assessment warns China could obtain sensitive F-35 technology through Saudi Arabia.
The proposed package includes up to 48 F-35 jets; one report values it at about $24 billion and includes a spare engine.
US concerns focus on Saudi Arabia’s growing military ties with China and Chinese technology in Saudi infrastructure.
Officials are questioning whether Chinese personnel, entities, and telecommunications equipment could be kept away from F-35 facilities.
The deal has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle but still faces scrutiny over technology security and Israel’s military advantage.
- Who
- The United States, Saudi Arabia, China, Israel, and the Defense Intelligence Agency are central to the issue.
- What
- The United States is reviewing a proposed sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets, reportedly including a spare engine, to Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The proposal has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle; deliveries would not begin for several years if approved.
- Where
- The proposed sale concerns Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, while the review is being conducted by the United States.
- Why
- US officials fear China could obtain sensitive F-35 technology through espionage, military cooperation, Chinese infrastructure technology, or access to Saudi facilities.
Security and Regional Risks
Defense Cooperation and Safeguards
Potential Chinese access
Security and Regional Risks
US intelligence officials warn that Chinese espionage, military cooperation, personnel, associated entities, or telecommunications equipment could expose sensitive F-35 information in Saudi Arabia.
Defense Cooperation and Safeguards
The sale could proceed if Saudi Arabia accepts strict security requirements that restrict third-party access and remove or isolate technologies that could compromise sensitive information.
Saudi-China defense relationship
Security and Regional Risks
Saudi Arabia’s expanding defense ties with China, including cooperation on ballistic missiles, raise concerns about protecting American military technology.
Defense Cooperation and Safeguards
The proposed sale is part of a broader US effort to deepen defense and economic ties with Saudi Arabia.
Israel’s military advantage
Security and Regional Risks
Providing F-35s to Saudi Arabia could complicate Washington’s longstanding commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge, especially because of Saudi Arabia’s geographic proximity.
Defense Cooperation and Safeguards
Saudi aircraft could receive different weapons systems and equipment, while Israel’s F-35I fleet retains country-specific modifications.
- Proposed buyer
- Saudi Arabia
- Aircraft
- Up to 48 F-35 fighter jets
- Reported package
- One report describes 48 aircraft, a spare engine, and a value of about $24 billion; another describes a multibillion-dollar package.
- Primary concern
- China could gain information about sensitive F-35 technology
- Technology at issue
- Radar, sensors, avionics, electronic systems, communications, surveillance, and data-sharing capabilities
- Saudi-China cooperation
- China has assisted Saudi Arabia with ballistic-missile capabilities, including production facilities and missile operations.
- Israel’s position
- Israel is the only Middle Eastern country currently operating the F-35, including its customized F-35I version.
- Deal status
- The proposal has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle but faces further scrutiny; deliveries would take several years if approved.
