US Approves Potential Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, pending Congressional approval. U.S. intelligence had previously raised concerns about potential Chinese access to sensitive technology through the deal.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- US approves potential sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
- The deal is valued at approximately $24.3 billion and needs Congressional approval.
- US intelligence warned of potential Chinese access to sensitive technology.
- Concerns exist about protecting the F-35's advanced systems from unauthorized access.
The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday its approval of a potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, with the deal valued at approximately $24.3 billion. This transaction is contingent upon approval from Congress.
The U.S. stated that the deal would not alter the military balance in the Middle East, a message seemingly directed at Israel. The announcement follows a New York Times report detailing concerns within the U.S. security establishment regarding the potential sale.
Intelligence officials had reportedly warned that providing advanced F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia could create an avenue for China to access classified American military technologies. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) prepared a detailed assessment examining the risks, including the potential access of Chinese military personnel to Saudi bases and the presence of Chinese technology in the kingdom's communication infrastructure.
A primary concern is the long-term protection of the stealth fighter's sensitive systems, questioning whether the U.S. and Saudi Arabia can ensure that only authorized personnel access F-35 technology sites. Special attention was given to the aircraft's advanced radar and intelligence systems. U.S. intelligence also raised questions about equipment from Chinese tech firms Huawei and ZTE within Saudi infrastructure and Riyadh's willingness to remove such equipment from sensitive defense networks.
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