Could China steal F-35 tech through Saudi Arabia deal? Report flags link amid Beijing's past record

A confidential US intelligence assessment has cautioned that China might gain access to sensitive American military technology if the US moves forward with the F-35 stealth fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The New York Times. The proposed deal, which includes 48 F-35 aircraft and a spare engine worth roughly $24 billion, has progressed in the US approval process.

The concern extends beyond the possibility of Chinese personnel physically accessing the F-35, as the aircraft contains highly sensitive technologies such as advanced radar, sensors, electronic systems, communications, and surveillance capabilities. The US intelligence officials are worried that China's military ties with Saudi Arabia, along with the presence of Chinese technology in Saudi infrastructure, could provide avenues for intelligence collection.

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment has questioned whether Chinese military and intelligence personnel could be barred from locations where F-35-related technology would be stored or operated. Another issue involves Chinese telecommunications equipment, with the assessment questioning whether Saudi Arabia would agree to remove equipment made by Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE from telecommunications networks, routers, and defense installations.

The US concern arises in the context of Riyadh's growing defense relationship with Beijing, as Saudi Arabia has bought ballistic missiles from China and Chinese military personnel have assisted the kingdom with missile-related capabilities. The F-35 debate also reflects a larger US concern about China's tactics of acquiring advanced foreign technology.

US authorities have long accused Chinese state-linked actors of using cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, insider recruitment, and other methods to obtain sensitive technology, with the FBI investigating over a thousand cases involving Chinese theft of American technology. The deal could also create complications for Israel, given Saudi Arabia's proximity to the Jewish state, as Israel is the sole Western Asian operator of the F-35, flying a customized version known as the F-35I.