Full Breakdown
U.S. Intelligence Flags Chinese Espionage Risks in Proposed $24 Billion Saudi F-35 Sale
By Drooid · · How we work
Proposed $24 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States is negotiating the sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets and one spare engine to Saudi Arabia, a package valued at roughly $24 billion. The State Department forwarded the proposal to two congressional committees for informal review in June 2026. President Donald Trump publicly backed the deal in November 2025, announcing his support the day before hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
Intelligence Concerns Over Chinese Access
U.S. intelligence officials have warned that the sale could enable China to obtain sensitive F-35 technology. A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment, reported by The New York Times on September 16, 2026, cites potential Chinese military access to Saudi bases and the kingdom’s extensive use of Chinese telecommunications equipment from firms such as Huawei and ZTE. The report questions whether U.S. and Saudi personnel can keep the aircraft’s advanced radar, stealth design, and electronic-warfare systems secure, and whether Saudi authorities would limit contact with Chinese military and intelligence entities.
Official Government Actions
The State Department’s June 2026 submission to Congress included the full sales package and sought informal approval. The Pentagon’s DIA has circulated the newer, more technical assessment among administration agencies and congressional offices. While the White House and Saudi Embassy declined comment, the administration has emphasized the sale as a means to keep Saudi Arabia within a U.S.–led security framework amid growing Beijing ties.
Opposition and Regional Implications
Israeli officials have expressed concern that the transfer could erode Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” a statutory requirement for U.S. arms sales in the region. Lawmakers and aides have pressed the administration for answers to the intelligence warnings, citing the risk that Chinese espionage could compromise the F-35’s stealth and sensor capabilities. Analysts note that Saudi Arabia’s recent procurement of Chinese ballistic missiles, such as the DF-15 series, underscores the kingdom’s diversification of defense partners.
Next Steps
Congressional committees are expected to continue informal review of the proposal, weighing the DIA’s security concerns against strategic and commercial interests. A formal decision on the sale has not yet been announced.