US fears China could access F-35 tech via Saudi Arabia deal
Photo: F-35 fighter jet (Getty Images)
US intelligence services have expressed concerns regarding the potential transfer of dozens of F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia. The US fears that China could gain access to the technologies of these aircraft through espionage or military-technical cooperation between Riyadh and Beijing, according to The New York Times.
The cost of the potential deal is estimated at $24 billion, and dozens of aircraft would be outside US control. According to sources cited by the NYT, the document raises the question of whether the US and Saudi Arabia can guarantee adequate protection of facilities where F-35 technologies will be stored.
Particular concern among US military officials is caused by the fighter's advanced radar and reconnaissance systems. The report notes that access to relevant facilities should be granted only to US and Saudi military personnel, as well as authorized contractors.
American analysts also raised the question of whether Saudi Arabia would agree to limit contacts with Chinese military and intelligence structures.
Chinese equipment also raises concerns
Another subject of concern is the presence of Chinese telecommunications equipment on Saudi territory.
According to the NYT, the intelligence report raises the question of the possibility of removing equipment from Huawei and ZTE companies from telecommunications and routing infrastructure, as well as from some defense facilities.
The concerns of the American side are related to the fact that Chinese technologies could create additional opportunities for Beijing to access information or systems related to the F-35.
F-35 deal has already advanced
The sale of fighters to Saudi Arabia is at a more advanced stage than before. In June, the US State Department submitted a proposal to sell 48 F-35 aircraft and a spare engine to two Congressional committees for informal approval.
Similar concerns already arose over the UAE
This is not the first time American intelligence structures have expressed concerns over the potential sale of F-35s to a Middle Eastern state that is developing ties with China.
During Trump's first presidential term, the US agreed to sell F-35s to the United Arab Emirates as part of agreements on the normalization of relations with Israel. American intelligence officials then also drew attention to the strengthening of military, intelligence, and technological ties between the UAE and China.
Ultimately, the Joe Biden administration reviewed the agreement before production and delivery of the aircraft began, after which the sales process was halted.
Israel also has concerns
Separate concerns regarding the deal have also been expressed by Israeli representatives. The country is currently the only Middle Eastern state operating the F-35, including using them during strikes on Iran.
US policy regarding arms sales to countries in the region traditionally takes into account the need to maintain Israel's so-called "qualitative military edge."
Context of the article
Trump stated he plans to approve the sale of US-made F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia. The sale could mark a significant shift in US policy and affect the military balance in the Middle East.
The US State Department had given the "green light" to defense contracts with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
