US intelligence warns Saudi F-35 sale risks exposing technology to China
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
US intelligence officials warn that a proposed $24 billion sale of F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia could give China access to sensitive American military technology, The New York Times reported on September 16, 2026. The State Department submitted a proposed package of 48 fighters and a spare engine to two congressional committees in June 2026 for informal review. President Donald Trump announced his support for the sale in November 2025, ahead of a White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Key Facts
- The proposed sale is valued at $24 billion and includes 48 F-35 fighters and a spare engine.
- The State Department submitted the proposed package to two congressional committees in June 2026 for informal review.
- President Donald Trump announced his support for the sale in November 2025, ahead of a White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report questions whether US and Saudi personnel could keep the aircraft's technology secure, particularly its advanced radar and surveillance systems.
- The report asks whether Saudi Arabia would remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE from its networks and defense installations.
Intelligence Concerns
US intelligence officials have warned that the proposed sale could give China access to sensitive American military technology, according to The New York Times report. Internal US assessments raise concerns about Chinese military access to Saudi bases and the kingdom's use of Chinese telecommunications equipment. A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report issued several months ago questions whether US and Saudi personnel could keep the aircraft's technology secure. Pentagon officials have particular concerns about protecting the F-35's advanced radar and surveillance systems.
Saudi-China Defense Ties
Saudi Arabia has long purchased American military aircraft and equipment while also developing defense ties with Beijing. China supplies the kingdom with ballistic missiles and has helped it develop missile production facilities and improve missile operations. The DIA report asks whether Saudi officials would remove Chinese equipment from telecommunications networks, router infrastructure and defense installations. US intelligence agencies raised similar concerns about the United Arab Emirates after Trump agreed to sell it F-35s in 2020, and that proposed purchase subsequently stalled.
Congressional Review and Regional Impact
The State Department submitted the proposed package to two congressional committees in June 2026 for informal review. Some lawmakers and aides have pressed the administration for answers on the security concerns. The Saudi proposal also faces questions about preserving Israel's military advantage in the region, and Israeli officials have expressed concerns about the sale. The State Department, Pentagon and Saudi Embassy declined to comment, while the White House and Chinese Embassy did not respond to requests for comment.
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