US Intelligence Warns Saudi F-35 Deal Risks Chinese Espionage, Israel Concerned

Classified internal reports from the Pentagon's intelligence agency reveal serious concerns about potential Chinese espionage within Saudi Arabia and security cooperation between Riyadh and Beijing, particularly in light of a massive deal to sell 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to the kingdom. The primary worry is that China could exploit its growing presence and security ties in Saudi Arabia to gain access to sensitive U.S. military technologies, including the advanced radar and surveillance systems of the F-35.

U.S. intelligence analysts have identified two main risk pathways: direct espionage by Chinese agents on Saudi air force bases or information leakage through existing security collaborations between Riyadh and Beijing, which reportedly include joint development and procurement of ballistic missiles. Pentagon officials are especially concerned about the potential exposure of stealth technologies and are questioning the ability of both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to hermetically secure the facilities. They also warn that communication infrastructure from Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE, already deployed in Saudi Arabia, could serve as a digital security vulnerability.

Washington is now demanding that Saudi Arabia agree to limit military ties with China and remove Chinese equipment from flight sites. The F-35 deal, valued at approximately $24 billion, was advanced by former President Donald Trump and is currently under informal review by congressional committees. Some lawmakers are expressing strong opposition and seeking clarifications. Secretary of State Marco Rubio might explore emergency powers to bypass Congress if committee leaders pose obstacles, though no decision has been made.

Israel is closely monitoring these developments with significant concern. As the only country in the Middle East currently operating the F-35, the introduction of these advanced aircraft into neighboring Saudi Arabia directly challenges the principle of Israel's qualitative military edge, a tenet enshrined in U.S. law. This situation echoes past U.S. concerns that have derailed arms deals, such as the F-35 sale to the UAE in 2020 due to similar fears of closer Abu Dhabi-Beijing ties, and Turkey's removal from the F-35 program after acquiring Russian S-400 air defense systems.

The Biden administration faces a strategic dilemma: strengthening its alliance with Saudi Arabia against Iran versus the tangible risk of granting China access to U.S. military technological superiority, while also needing to maintain Israel's military advantage in the region.