The security implications of the proposed $24 billion sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia have come under renewed scrutiny after US intelligence officials warned that China could gain access to sensitive technologies.
Intelligence assessments examined the possibility that China could obtain F-35 technology through espionage activities in Saudi Arabia or through its military and security cooperation with Riyadh.
A study prepared several months ago by the Defense Intelligence Agency, which is affiliated with the Pentagon, examined China’s access to military bases in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh’s use of Chinese technology in its telecommunications infrastructure.
The study also questioned whether Washington and Riyadh could maintain secure facilities associated with the F-35 program on a sustainable basis.
The assessment, along with analyses by other intelligence agencies, was sent to several bodies within the US administration and congressional offices.
In autumn 2025, the Defense Intelligence Agency had also prepared a more comprehensive assessment containing similar concerns, as the US administration considered the possibility of selling a large number of F-35s to Saudi Arabia.