Trump Administration Advances Saudi F-35 Sale Despite China-Related Intelligence Warnings
The State Department on Thursday announced it will move forward with a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets and a spare engine to Saudi Arabia, despite intelligence warnings about potential Chinese access to the technology.[1]
The department issued formal notification to Congress of the pending sale.[1] Its public justification said the package "will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense." New York Times
Internal U.S. intelligence reports warning that China could acquire or steal F-35 technology circulated among federal agencies and congressional committees before the decision.[2] A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report raised concerns about securing Saudi sites that would host F-35 technology.[1] It also warned about possible Chinese military access to Saudi bases and the extensive use of Chinese telecommunications and defense equipment at Saudi installations.[1]
The New York Times first published reporting about the intelligence warnings on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.[2] The State Department's formal notice to Congress came on Thursday as the Trump administration moved forward with the $24.3 billion package.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the State Department announced it is moving forward with the proposed sale of 48 F-35 jets and a spare engine to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion, and issued formal notification to Congress of the pending sale.
- The State Department’s public justification said the F-35 package "will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense."
- Internal U.S. intelligence reports warning that China could acquire or steal F-35 technology through its partnership with Saudi Arabia were circulating among federal agencies and congressional committees before the decision.
- A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report raised concerns about securing Saudi sites that would host F-35 technology, Chinese military access to Saudi bases, and extensive use of Chinese telecommunications and defense technology at Saudi installations.
- The Trump administration moved ahead with the sale on Thursday, September 17, 2026, despite the circulating intelligence warnings about potential Chinese access to F-35 technology.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the State Department announced it is moving forward with the proposed sale of 48 F-35 jets and a spare engine to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion.
- The State Department on September 17 issued formal notification to Congress of the pending F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia.
- The State Department’s public justification said the F-35 package "will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense."
- The article confirms that internal U.S. intelligence reports warning China could acquire or steal F-35 technology through its partnership with Saudi Arabia were circulating among federal agencies and congressional committees before the decision.
- A detailed Defense Intelligence Agency report raised concerns about securing Saudi sites that would host F-35 technology, Chinese military access to Saudi bases, and extensive use of Chinese telecommunications and defense technology at Saudi installations.