US Intelligence Fears Saudi F-35 Deal Could Leak Stealth Tech to China

U.S. intelligence agencies have expressed deep concerns that sensitive F-35 stealth fighter technology could fall into the hands of China as part of a potential arms deal for dozens of aircraft to Saudi Arabia. Internal documents, as reported by The New York Times, suggest that Beijing might acquire advanced radar and surveillance systems through espionage on Saudi soil or via deepening security cooperation between Riyadh and Beijing.

U.S. intelligence is particularly worried about the potential presence of Chinese military personnel at Saudi bases and the Kingdom's extensive use of communication equipment from Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE within its security facilities. These concerns have prompted U.S. security officials to demand strict limitations on the proposed $24 billion deal, which includes 48 F-35 aircraft recently submitted for Congressional review.

Among the proposed restrictions are limiting access to aircraft facilities to authorized American and Saudi personnel only, removing Chinese communication equipment from bases where the jets will operate, and requiring Riyadh to curtail its military interactions with Chinese security and intelligence entities.

The potential sale also raises concerns in Israel, which fears a compromise to its qualitative military edge in the region.