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US intelligence warns of China risks in Saudi F-35 jet sale
US intelligence officials have raised alarms regarding a proposed $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, warning that the deal could expose sensitive American military technology to China.
A report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) highlights several security risks, including potential Chinese military access to Saudi Arabian bases and the Kingdom's reliance on Chinese telecommunications infrastructure, specifically equipment from Huawei and ZTE. Pentagon officials are particularly concerned about the protection of the F-35's advanced radar and surveillance systems.
The DIA assessment suggests that access to facilities housing F-35 technology should be strictly limited to authorized US and Saudi personnel and contractors. Furthermore, officials have questioned whether Riyadh would be willing to limit its interactions with Chinese military and intelligence personnel or remove Chinese-made technology from its defense and communication networks.
Entities
China · Defense Intelligence Agency · Huawei · Lockheed Martin · Saudi Arabia · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] A Defense Intelligence Agency report questioned whether US and Saudi personnel can guarantee the security of F-35 technology. galaxiamilitar.es · haber.aero · www.sondakika.com · www.news18.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Intelligence assessments raised concerns about the use of Chinese telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE within Saudi Arabia’s defense and communications infrastructure. galaxiamilitar.es · haber.aero · www.sondakika.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] US intelligence officials have warned that a proposed $24 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could expose sensitive US military technology to China. galaxiamilitar.es · haber.aero · www.sondakika.com · www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The DIA recommended that access to F-35 technology facilities be restricted to authorized US and Saudi officials and contractors. galaxiamilitar.es · www.sondakika.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pentagon officials expressed specific concerns regarding the protection of the F-35’s advanced radar and surveillance systems. galaxiamilitar.es · haber.aero · www.sondakika.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Donald Trump announced support for the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia in November 2025. galaxiamilitar.es · haber.aero
- [● 2 SOURCES] Intelligence reports questioned whether Saudi Arabia would limit contact with Chinese military and intelligence personnel. galaxiamilitar.es · www.sondakika.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The US State Department submitted a proposal for the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets and a spare engine to Congress in June 2026. galaxiamilitar.es · haber.aero