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US-Saudi F-35 fighter jet sale controversy

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2026-09-19 14:51 UTC → 2026-09-19 16:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.~~ 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.

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