U.S. military advisers are raising concerns about a proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, warning that China could gain access to sensitive technology if the deal goes forward.
The New York Times reported that a Pentagon intelligence assessment outlines the risk that China will try to acquire F-35 systems through espionage or through its growing security ties with Saudi Arabia, according to people familiar with the report.
The Defense Intelligence Agency prepared the assessment as the Trump administration works to complete a deal for 48 jets worth billions.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was expected to approve the agreement before it moved through an interagency review.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump next week at the White House, where the potential sale and a mutual defense pact are expected to top the agenda.
Saudi Arabia remains the largest buyer of American weapons.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said online that he recently met with Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss strategic cooperation.
The Pentagon intelligence agency declined to comment on its assessment, and the Saudi Embassy did not respond to inquiries.
The White House said it would not get ahead of any ongoing conversations.
Saudi leaders are also pressing Washington to advance talks on a civilian nuclear program, prompting internal debate over whether the Saudis could use nuclear technology to pursue a weapon.
Progress on a separate U.S. effort to encourage Saudi-Israel normalization remains unlikely because of high casualties from the Israel-Hamas war and Israel's current policies toward Palestinians.
The F-35 proposal has revived a long-standing question about Israel's regional military edge.
Israel is the only Middle Eastern nation that operates F-35s. It used them in airstrikes in Iran in 2024 and 2025.
U.S. policy requires ensuring Israel can withstand any conventional threat with minimal losses, and past administrations have run classified reviews of proposed regional arms sales to uphold that standard.
China's military ties with Saudi Arabia add to U.S. concerns. Beijing has helped Riyadh acquire and operate ballistic missiles, and U.S. officials say Saudi Arabia has begun pursuing its own production capabilities.
Arms control expert Jeffrey Lewis said satellite images show a Saudi test site modeled on a smaller Chinese one.
Supporters of the sale say the F-35 would give Saudi pilots major advantages in stealth and battlefield awareness.
Gareth Jennings of Jane's called the aircraft the pinnacle of Western combat aviation.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted large weapons agreements with Saudi Arabia. While visiting the country, he announced $600 billion in deals, including a $142 billion arms package, though some projects predated his presidency.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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