US intelligence officials have warned that a proposed $24 billion sale of F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia could give China access to sensitive American military technology, The New York Times reported on September 16, 2026.
Internal US assessments raise concerns about Chinese military access to Saudi bases and the kingdom’s use of Chinese telecommunications equipment, according to the Times report, which cited unnamed US officials.
The State Department submitted a proposed package of 48 fighters and a spare engine to two congressional committees in June 2026 for informal review. President Donald Trump announced his support for the sale in November 2025, ahead of a White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report issued several months ago questions whether US and Saudi personnel could keep the aircraft’s technology secure. Pentagon officials have particular concerns about protecting the F-35’s advanced radar and surveillance systems, the Times reported.
The assessment says access to locations housing F-35 technology should be restricted to Saudi and American officers and contractors. It also questions whether Saudi Arabia would agree to broader limits on contact with Chinese military and intelligence personnel and associated organizations.
Another concern involves equipment supplied by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. The report asks whether Saudi officials would remove that equipment from telecommunications networks, router infrastructure and defense installations.
The DIA had raised more general concerns about a potential Saudi F-35 sale in an assessment in the fall of 2025. The newer report contains more specific technical concerns and has circulated among administration agencies and congressional offices, according to the Times. Some lawmakers and aides have pressed the administration for answers.
Saudi Arabia has long purchased American military aircraft and equipment while also developing defense ties with Beijing. China supplies the kingdom with ballistic missiles and has helped it develop missile production facilities and improve missile operations, the newspaper reported.
US intelligence agencies raised similar concerns about the United Arab Emirates after Trump agreed to sell it F-35s in 2020. That proposed purchase subsequently stalled amid US concerns about the UAE’s ties with China.
The Saudi proposal also faces questions about preserving Israel’s military advantage in the region. Israeli officials have expressed concerns about the sale.
The State Department, Pentagon and Saudi Embassy declined to comment to the newspaper. The White House and Chinese Embassy did not respond to its requests for comment.