The Trump administration has formally cleared a potential $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, moving ahead despite U.S. intelligence warnings that China could gain access to some of the military’s most sensitive technology.
The State Department notified Congress on Thursday of the proposed sale of 48 F-35s, opening a 30-day congressional review period. The package also includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, secure communications equipment, electronic warfare support, training and other services.
The move comes after U.S. intelligence officials raised concerns that Saudi Arabia’s growing military and technology ties with China could create opportunities for Beijing to obtain information about the advanced fighter jet.
A recent U.S. intelligence assessment warned about Chinese military access to Saudi bases and Chinese technology in the kingdom’s telecommunications infrastructure, according to The New York Times. The assessment raised questions about whether sensitive F-35 systems could be adequately protected if the aircraft are based in Saudi Arabia.
Trending
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, a senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Thursday that the sale should not go forward “when our own intelligence community is warning that it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party.”
Congress is also investigating a separate incident involving sensitive F-35 technology and China after parts being shipped from Australia to the U.S. for repairs were diverted to Hong Kong this summer. Some of the components remain missing.
The State Department says the sale would strengthen Saudi homeland defense, improve interoperability with U.S., regional and NATO forces, and help Riyadh deter threats. It also says the deal “will not alter the military balance in the region.”
That assertion could draw scrutiny because Israel is the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35. If the sale is completed, Saudi Arabia would become the second — and the first Arab country — to fly the fifth-generation stealth fighter.
U.S. law requires the government to consider Israel’s qualitative military edge when approving major weapons sales to other countries in the region.
The State Department also says the sale would not hurt U.S. military readiness or require additional permanent U.S. personnel in Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump first publicly announced plans to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia in November, ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington. The White House later said Trump had approved a broader defense package that included future F-35 deliveries.
The formal notification brings the deal much closer to completion but does not make the sale final. Congress now has 30 calendar days to review the proposal and can try to block it through a joint resolution of disapproval.
Congressional opposition to Saudi weapons sales is not new, but the F-35 deal raises a different set of concerns because of the sensitivity of the aircraft’s technology.
The potential sale also comes as Saudi Arabia faces growing security threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. Fighting between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis has intensified, and Saudi territory has come under drone and missile attacks.
Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney would be the main contractors for the jets and engines, respectively.
Author
