US intelligence officers have reportedly warned that China could seek access to sensitive F-35 fighter jet technology as Washington moves ahead with a proposed $24 billion sale of the aircraft to Saudi Arabia, according to a NYT report.
The concerns were outlined in internal intelligence reports ahead of the proposed sale, with analysts reportedly assessing that China could attempt to obtain the technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia. Intelligence officials have also raised the possibility that Beijing could use its military and security ties with Riyadh to gain access to information related to the advanced fighter jets.
China-Saudi ties raise technology security concerns
The reported concerns come against the backdrop of an existing exchange of technology and military cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia.
A Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency report from November last year highlighted Chinese access to Saudi military bases as well as the presence of Chinese technology in the kingdom’s telecommunications infrastructure, The New York Times reported, citing an official.
The assessment was circulated among multiple agencies across the US administration and congressional offices, along with analyses prepared by other intelligence organisations.
The DIA had also issued a broader assessment in 2025 examining similar risks while the US administration was considering the proposed arms sale.
Proposed US-Saudi F-35 deal advances
US President Donald Trump announced the proposed F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia in November, a day before he hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
Since then, the proposed sale has advanced significantly, according to the report. The latest DIA assessment has reportedly focused more specifically on potential risks associated with the technology involved in the deal.
In June, the US State Department sent a package covering 48 F-35 aircraft and a spare engine to two congressional committees as part of the informal approval process.
The reported intelligence concerns have prompted several lawmakers and congressional aides to question administration officials about the potential risks identified by US intelligence agencies.
There has been no official comment on the reported intelligence concerns so far. The US officials cited in the report spoke on condition of anonymity.
Similar F-35 concerns emerged during Trump’s first term
Concerns about protecting F-35 technology from potential Chinese access had also emerged during Trump’s first presidency.
In 2020, his administration agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates as part of an agreement under which the UAE would establish diplomatic relations with Israel.
The latest reported intelligence assessment comes as Washington considers transferring the advanced fighter technology to Saudi Arabia, where US officials have reportedly examined the country's existing military and technological links with China.
