# US-Saudi F-35 fighter jet sale controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-saudi-f-35-fighter-jet-sale-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-19T09:03:23.000Z. Sources: 153. Developments: 3. The US State Department has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time an Arab state will operate the advanced aircraft. The package includes 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, electronic warfare support, secure communications, and logistics services intended to bolster the defense capabilities of the major non-NATO ally. The State Department maintains the transaction supports US national security objectives and regional stability without altering the existing military balance in the Middle East. However, the proposal has faced significant regional and domestic opposition. Israeli security officials have expressed concerns that the sale might undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge, with air force commanders specifically noting the F-35’s advanced sensor capabilities. In response, Israel is reportedly seeking compensation from Washington, requesting access to advanced technologies such as space-based weapons, autonomous strike systems, unmanned aerial vehicle swarms, and specialized bunker-busting munitions. Concurrently, US lawmakers and intelligence agencies have raised alarms regarding the risk of sensitive technology being leaked to China. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi warned that the sale might place ‘crown jewels of American military technology’ within reach of the Chinese Communist Party. Intelligence officials, including the Defense Intelligence Agency, have noted that Saudi Arabia’s security partnerships with Beijing could facilitate Chinese espionage, potentially allowing China to develop countermeasures against US military capabilities. Security concerns were further heightened following a Pentagon-confirmed incident where an F-35 canopy featuring radar-absorbent stealth material was diverted from its route from Australia to the United States and ended up in Hong Kong. The F-35 Joint Program Office is working with authorities to recover the items, while investigations into the shipping malfunction continue. ## Claims - 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. (disputed by 34 sources) - The US State Department approved a $24.3 billion deal to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. (disputed by 4 sources) - The State Department stated the sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally. (corroborated by 48 sources) - The weapons package includes 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines. (corroborated by 40 sources) - Israeli security officials expressed concern that the sale could undermine Israel's qualitative military edge in the region. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The State Department stated the sale will not alter the military balance in the region. (corroborated by 19 sources) - F-35 fighter jet components were diverted from their intended route to Hong Kong. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The shipment was originally traveling from Australia to the United States for maintenance. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The missing cargo includes an F-35 cockpit canopy featuring stealth technology. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The U.S. Congress has opened an investigation into the diverted shipment. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The F-35 Joint Program Office is aware of the shipping malfunction involving unusable components. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Authorities are working with industrial partners to recover the components. (corroborated by 15 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: US approves $24.3B F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia The US approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, sparking espionage concerns regarding China and prompting Israel to seek advanced weapons compensation from Washington. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-approves-243-billion-f-35-fighter-jet-sale-to-saudi-arabia-1 ### 2026-09-18: F-35 components diverted to Hong Kong trigger U.S. investigation F-35 fighter jet components, including a stealth-equipped cockpit canopy, were diverted from an Australian-to-US shipment to Hong Kong, prompting U.S. Congressional and Pentagon investigations. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-intelligence-warns-of-f-35-technology-risks-to-china ### 2026-09-17: Saudi Arabia approved for $24.3B US F-35 fighter jet sale The US has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move intended to bolster regional security but one that has sparked concern in Israel and among US lawmakers. 126 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-intelligence-warns-f-35-sale-to-saudi-arabia-risks-chinese-technology-theft --- Cite as: US-Saudi F-35 fighter jet sale controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-saudi-f-35-fighter-jet-sale-controversy