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

Classified reports from the Pentagon's intelligence agency reveal serious concerns about potential Chinese espionage and security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Beijing, particularly in relation to a massive deal for 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets worth approximately $24 billion. The primary worry is that China could exploit its growing presence and security ties in Saudi Arabia to gain access to the advanced aircraft's secrets. US intelligence analysts have identified two main risk pathways: direct espionage by Chinese agents on Saudi air force bases or information leaks through existing security collaborations, which include joint development and procurement of ballistic missiles.

The Pentagon is particularly concerned about the exposure of radar, surveillance, and stealth systems. Investigators question the ability of the US and Saudi Arabia to hermetically seal facilities and warn that communication infrastructure from Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE, deployed in the Kingdom, could serve as a digital security loophole. Washington is now demanding that Saudi Arabia agree to limit military ties with China and remove Chinese equipment from air bases.

The deal, promoted by former President Donald Trump and undergoing informal review by Congress, faces strong opposition from lawmakers seeking clarifications. If committee heads create obstacles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio might consider using emergency powers to bypass Congress, though no decision has been made. Meanwhile, Israel is closely monitoring the developments with significant concern. As the only Middle Eastern country currently operating the F-35, the introduction of dozens of these stealth jets into neighboring Saudi Arabia raises questions about Israel's "qualitative military edge," a principle enshrined in US law.

This situation echoes past concerns that have thwarted US fighter jet deals. In 2020, a deal to sell F-35s to the UAE was frozen and eventually canceled due to similar fears of deepening security, intelligence, and technological ties between Abu Dhabi and Beijing. A more severe precedent involved Turkey, which was removed from the F-35 program after acquiring Russia's S-400 air defense system, out of fear that the Russian system would collect data on the jet's stealth capabilities.

The US administration now faces a strategic dilemma with Riyadh: the desire to strengthen the alliance against Iran versus the real risk of granting China access to US military technological superiority, while also needing to maintain Israel's military advantage in the region.