US-Saudi F-35 Deal Sparks Concern in Washington and Jerusalem

A potential deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia for the sale of dozens of F-35 fighter jets, valued at approximately $24 billion, is raising alarms in both Washington and Jerusalem. The proposed sale, which reportedly includes 48 jets and new engines, is not only significant for the scale of advanced weaponry involved but also for the risk of sensitive military technology leaking to China, according to Maariv.

U.S. intelligence agencies are reportedly concerned about Riyadh's close military and technological ties with Beijing. Saudi Arabia utilizes Chinese technology in its communication infrastructure, and Chinese military personnel allegedly have access to certain Saudi military facilities. This has led U.S. specialists to question the security of the F-35's advanced systems, particularly its stealth capabilities and radar and intelligence equipment.

The Pentagon is considering implementing additional restrictions on access to F-35 systems and facilities to mitigate the risk of information transfer to third parties. The deal also worries Israel, where officials fear that Saudi Arabia acquiring such advanced aircraft could disrupt the existing military balance in the Middle East.

The U.S. administration submitted relevant materials to congressional committees for review in June. Following new intelligence assessments, some lawmakers have begun posing further questions to the administration regarding the terms of the potential sale.

A similar issue arose with a proposed F-35 sale to the United Arab Emirates, which was paused due to U.S. concerns over the UAE's growing military and technological links with China. The current situation presents the U.S. administration with a dilemma: balancing the desire to strengthen military cooperation with Saudi Arabia against the need to protect F-35 technology and consider the regional implications.