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

U.S. intelligence agencies are warning that close security and technological ties between Saudi Arabia and China could allow Beijing to spy on sensitive F-35 fighter jet technology. American analysts are concerned that China might exploit its deep connections with Riyadh in defense, economy, and technology to gain access to the stealth fighter's classified systems, particularly its advanced radar and intelligence technologies. This concern arises amid a potential deal for Saudi Arabia to purchase 48 F-35 aircraft from the U.S. for an estimated $24 billion, a deal announced by former President Donald Trump in November 2025 and currently under review by Congress.

An internal report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) previously flagged the risk of China obtaining F-35 technology. A more recent, detailed report has focused on China's access to Saudi military bases and the Kingdom's use of Chinese-made communication technology from companies like Huawei and ZTE. The U.S. intelligence community has recommended restricting access to facilities housing the F-35 systems to only Saudi and American citizens, including civilian contractors, and questioned Riyadh's willingness to reduce ties with Chinese military and intelligence entities.

The U.S. apprehension is also fueled by ongoing Saudi-Chinese military cooperation, including Saudi Arabia's purchase of ballistic missiles from Beijing and reported Chinese assistance in developing Saudi missile capabilities. The potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia has also raised concerns in Israel, which fears it could undermine its qualitative military edge in the region. Israel had hoped such a sale would be contingent on normalization with Riyadh, but Trump indicated readiness to proceed without it.

A similar concern emerged in 2020 regarding an F-35 deal with the UAE, where Abu Dhabi's ties with Beijing led to a reassessment and halt of the sale during the Biden administration. It remains unclear if these intelligence warnings will delay the Saudi deal, though the administration might seek expedited approval by citing regional emergencies. The primary risk identified is not a direct transfer of the entire aircraft to China, but rather the potential for sensitive technologies, radar systems, and intelligence data to reach Beijing through espionage or indirect access to the F-35 facilities.