Why US F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Has Raised China Spying Concerns
The proposed $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia has raised US concerns over China’s military and technology ties with Riyadh.
The United States has moved forward with a potential $24.3 billion sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but the proposal has raised concerns in Washington over Riyadh’s expanding defence and technology relationship with China. The US State Department has approved the potential sale and notified Congress, which now has a period to review the deal.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter equipped with advanced sensors, electronic systems and other sensitive technologies. Saudi Arabia currently operates aircraft including US-made F-15s and European Eurofighter Typhoons, but does not have a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
US intelligence and defence officials have reportedly questioned whether Saudi military facilities and communications systems can adequately protect F-35 technology from potential Chinese espionage. Concerns focus partly on China’s growing military cooperation with Riyadh and its involvement in Saudi defence and telecommunications infrastructure.
The proposed sale also has implications for Israel, which is currently the only Middle Eastern country operating the F-35. US policy requires Washington to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge when approving arms sales to regional countries. The State Department has said the proposed Saudi deal would not alter the regional military balance.
The F-35 proposal comes amid heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has sought stronger military capabilities as the regional conflict has intensified.
For now, the sale remains subject to the US congressional review process. If completed, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to acquire the F-35.
