US Intelligence Warns F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Risks Tech Leak to China

US intelligence agencies have issued a warning that the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could lead to the leakage of sensitive technology to China. A recent report by the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency, as detailed in The New York Times, examined the Chinese military's access to Saudi bases and the Kingdom's use of Chinese communication technology. The report's authors expressed doubts about the ability of both the United States and Saudi Arabia to adequately secure the sites where the F-35s would be stationed.

Similar concerns were raised in 2020 regarding potential F-35 sales to the United Arab Emirates. President Donald Trump approved Saudi Arabia's long-standing request to purchase the aircraft in November. Saudi Arabia, a major purchaser of American weaponry, is reportedly seeking a significant aerial advantage due to its ongoing conflict with the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen.

The Houthis, based in Yemen, are attempting to solidify their regional standing after seizing control of the vital Bab-el-Mandeb strait. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported approximately a month ago that the Houthis intend to escalate the conflict by moving hostilities to Saudi Arabia's southern border, employing previously unused capabilities.

Amidst the deteriorating situation and the US refusal to assist in strikes against the Houthis, Saudi Arabia has also approached Israel for military aid. Israel is evaluating the conflict as an opportunity to leverage Saudi Arabia's distress for building regional coalitions, particularly after the US, Turkey, and Pakistan have reportedly distanced themselves from Riyadh. While Israel is cautious about direct involvement against the Houthis, security discussions reveal concerns that a lack of American backing and battlefield pressure might compel Saudi Arabia to sign a deal with the Yemeni rebels. Such an outcome, while ending the conflict in the Arabian Peninsula, could leave Israel to confront the Houthi threat alone.