U.S. fears Saudi F-35 sale could expose sensitive aircraft technology to China
U.S. intelligence agencies have raised concerns about the potential sale of dozens of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Washington fears China could gain access to sensitive aircraft technology through espionage or Beijing’s close military and technology ties with Riyadh, The New York Times reported.
US intelligence has reportedly warned that China may attempt to steal F-35 fighter jet technology as the United States and Saudi Arabia finalize a $24 billion deal. According to a New York Times report, US intelligence officers have expressed concerns about China's espionage efforts in internal reports. The intelligence analysts have warned that China could obtain the technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia or by leveraging its military and security partnership with the kingdom.
The concerns are not new, with a Pentagon report last year highlighting the exchange of technology between China and Saudi Arabia, including Chinese access to Saudi bases and the use of Chinese technology in Saudi telecommunications infrastructure. The report has been shared with multiple agencies and congressional offices, and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has previously released broader assessments addressing similar risks in 2025 and prior to the proposed arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- China to try and steal F-35 tech amid pending Saudi deal? Report says US intel issued warning hindustantimes.com
- US intelligence repeats warning F-35 sale to Saudis could expose tech to China — report timesofisrael.com
- DoD concerned that Saudi F-35 technology could reach China israelnationalnews.com
