Saudi Arabia has been progressively enhancing and modernizing its military arsenal over the last several years, indicating its desire to become the preeminent defense power in the Middle East.
The Kingdom has sought to create a more responsive, technologically advanced security apparatus through significant investments in advanced missile systems and the expansion of its air force with fifth-generation aircraft. Recently, reports claimed that Riyadh could soon be the first Arab country to receive a US-made F-35 stealth fighter jet. This acquisition would not only challenge Israel’s historical air dominance in the region but would also give Saudi Arabia the capability to conduct highly accurate and lethal air strikes against future threats. However, now the dream to acquire advanced F-35 fighter jets seems to dwindle.
What deadly weapon is the US concerned about selling to Saudi Arabia?
In the next few days, the United States could disrupt the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. These indications have come out before Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States. According to a New York Times(NYT) report, a Pentagon intelligence report has expressed concern about the possibility of selling F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, specifically citing concern that China could gain access to the warplane’s technology if the sale goes through, as per the people familiar with the assessment.
Who could potentially benefit from the F-35 technology leak, according to the Pentagon report?
According to The New York Times, on Thursday, and citing sources that are aware of the assessment, the Pentagon is worried that China will gain advanced fighter-jet technology through espionage or through its security relationship with Saudi Arabia. An arms deal initiated under President Trump to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could also weaken Israel’s military advantage in the region.
Where could China gain access to the advanced technology if the deal goes through?
In other words, Pentagon officials who have studied the deal are concerned that F-35 technology could be leaked to Chinese espionage operations or through China’s security partnership with Saudi Arabia, the people said, as reported by the NYT. These concerns were raised in a wide-ranging report produced by the Defense Intelligence Agency, which is part of the Defense Department.
Israel is the only nation in the Middle East that is presently operating these jets. Media reports suggest that it conducted airstrikes against Iran in October 2024 and June 2025 using its 5th-generation F-35 fighters. Since the 1973 war, US decision-makers have sought to ensure Israel maintains its qualitative military edge. Congress mandates the US guarantee that Israel can defeat any “credible conventional military threat” without taking minimal damage and incurring casualties.
Saudi Arabia and the Trump administration have been attempting to finalize a deal in which US arms manufacturers will sell Saudi Arabia 48 F-35 jets for a deal that will total billions of dollars. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was expected to approve the deal before it moved through an interagency review, said the people, as cited by the NYT. Moreover, it is to be noted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to meet President Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Israel is the only nation in the Middle East that is presently operating these jets.
- Saudi Arabia and the Trump administration have been attempting to finalize a deal in which US arms manufacturers will sell Saudi Arabia 48 F-35 jets.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to meet President Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
- These concerns were raised in a wide-ranging report produced by the Defense Intelligence Agency, which is part of the Defense Department.
U.S. officials reported that this proposed deal would include the aircraft and a mutual defence agreement. Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to enhance strategic cooperation. Current concerns mirror those raised when the Trump administration approved the sale of F-35s to the UAE for the Abraham Accords in 2020.