US Intelligence Warns of F-35 Tech Leak to China Via Saudi Arabia

US intelligence officials have raised concerns that advanced F-35 fighter jet technology could fall into the hands of China if a proposed sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24 billion, proceeds. The deal has reportedly moved to a more advanced stage.

According to a New York Times report citing anonymous US officials, intelligence analysts fear China could acquire the F-35's technology through espionage within Saudi Arabia or via existing military and security partnerships between Beijing and Riyadh. A detailed report by the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) months ago highlighted the possibility of Chinese military personnel accessing Saudi bases and the Kingdom using Chinese technology in its communications infrastructure. This report raised questions about the ability of both the US and Saudi Arabia to secure sites intended for F-35 related technology, with the Pentagon particularly concerned about protecting the aircraft's advanced radar and surveillance systems.

The DIA assessment recommended that access to these sensitive sites be restricted to Saudi and US officers and contractors. It also questioned Riyadh's readiness to limit its communications with Chinese military and intelligence officials and related entities. The assessment also considered the possibility of Saudi Arabia being required to remove equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE from its communication networks, routers, and defense facilities. This report has been circulated among various US administration agencies and congressional offices, alongside other intelligence assessments.

This is not the first time a Gulf F-35 deal has sparked similar concerns. In 2020, the Trump administration approved a sale to the UAE amid normalization talks with Israel. However, the Biden administration reviewed this deal due to intelligence worries about growing UAE-China military, intelligence, and technological ties, eventually halting the sale process. Israeli officials have also reportedly expressed concerns about the Saudi F-35 deal, mirroring their stance on the prior UAE transaction. Israel remains the sole F-35 operator in the Middle East.

US administrations have historically reviewed advanced arms sales to Arab nations for their impact on Israel's "qualitative military edge," a principle enshrined in US law. The controversy also coincides with Trump's approval of Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program, a project that has also raised security alarms in Washington, especially given past Saudi statements about pursuing nuclear weapons if Iran does.