U.S. Warns $24 Billion Saudi F-35 Sale Risks Chinese Tech Theft
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 16
U.S. Warns $24 Billion Saudi F-35 Sale Risks Chinese Tech Theft
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 16
Summary
$24 billion in proposed U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia faces sharper scrutiny after intelligence agencies warned China could gain access to F-35 technology tied to 48 jets and a spare engine.
A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report circulated in recent months cites Chinese military access to Saudi bases, Saudi use of Chinese telecom infrastructure, and doubts that secure sites for the aircraft can be maintained.
The package reached two congressional committees in June for informal approval, and some lawmakers and aides have since pressed the administration over the espionage risks flagged in the intelligence assessments.
The warnings build on a broader DIA report from fall 2025 and complicate a sale Trump announced in November before hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.