China could acquire F-35 fighter jet technology through Saudi Arabia, US officials warn - report

US intelligence officials have raised concerns that China might obtain F-35 fighter jet technology through Saudi Arabia, according to a recent report by The New York Times. The fears arise from a proposed multi-billion-dollar sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia, which has been under discussion since November 2025. Similar apprehensions were expressed when the potential deal was initially proposed.

US officials suggest China could gain access to the technology through espionage or via its military and security collaboration with Saudi Arabia. A Pentagon intelligence report, as cited by the NYT, recommends restricting F-35 technology storage to US and Saudi personnel only. The report also questions whether Saudi Arabia would permit restricted interaction with the Chinese military and associated entities, and whether they would remove equipment from Chinese manufacturers in telecommunications and router infrastructure.

The State Department, Pentagon, Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington, White House, and Chinese Embassy have all declined to comment on the matter to the NYT. When the deal was first being considered in 2025, the NYT noted that it had raised concerns over Israel's military advantage in the region. Israel is the sole Middle Eastern nation currently operating F-35s, employing them in airstrikes on Iran in October 2024 and June 2025.

Since the 1973 war, US policymakers have strived to maintain Israel's military edge, with Congress mandating that the US guarantee Israel's ability to defeat any significant conventional military threat while sustaining minimal damage and casualties.