The United States is moving ahead with a deal to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, worth about $24.3 billion. At the same time, U.S. intelligence officials warn that sensitive technology from the jets could end up in China’s hands.
The State Department approved the proposed sale in mid-September 2026. Congress now has about 30 days to review it or try to block it.
Why Washington is worried
The F-35 is one of America’s most advanced fighters. It uses stealth design, powerful radar, and high-end surveillance systems.
According to The New York Times, citing U.S. officials, the Defense Intelligence Agency warned that China could try to obtain F-35 technology through:
Espionage inside Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s military and security ties with Beijing
The assessment also noted Saudi use of Chinese telecom equipment, including gear from Huawei and ZTE. Analysts asked whether Riyadh would remove that equipment from sites linked to the F-35 program. Officials are especially concerned about the jet’s radar and surveillance systems.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said the sale could put the “crown jewels of American military technology” within reach of the Chinese Communist Party.
What the Trump administration says
The administration argues the deal would strengthen a major U.S. partner in the Gulf and would not change the military balance in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is already one of the largest buyers of U.S. weapons. If the sale goes through, it would become only the second F-35 operator in the region after Israel.
Israel’s qualitative edge
U.S. law calls for Israel to keep a qualitative military edge over its neighbors. Israel has long opposed selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia.
The State Department says the proposed sale would not shift the regional balance. Critics are not convinced.
Where things stand
The State Department has cleared the sale
Congress can still review or try to stop it
Intelligence warnings are about risk, not proof that China has already obtained the technology
In short, Washington wants a deeper defense partnership with Riyadh. But it also fears that F-35 secrets could leak to China through Saudi-Chinese security and technology ties.
Sources: New York Times, BBC, Politico, NBC News