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U.S. Scrutinizes $24B Saudi F-35 Deal Over Tech Risks

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 12:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. officials are scrutinizing a $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
State Department delivered jets and a spare engine to two congressional committees in June 2026.
President Donald Trump backed the deal in November 2025 before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit.
A Defense Intelligence Agency assessment warned that Chinese access to Saudi bases could expose F-35 stealth technology.
Israeli officials say the sale could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge.

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Story summary

U.S. officials are scrutinizing a $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
State Department delivered jets and a spare engine to two congressional committees in June 2026.
President Donald Trump backed the deal in November 2025 before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit.
A Defense Intelligence Agency assessment warned that Chinese access to Saudi bases could expose F-35 stealth technology.
Israeli officials say the sale could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge.