WorldPosted at: Sep 18 2026 11:40AM


Trump administration clears $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia despite China concerns

Washington, Sep 18 (UNI) The Trump administration has cleared a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns from US lawmakers and defence officials that the deal could give China access to highly sensitive American military technology.
The proposed sale would give Riyadh 48 of the advanced stealth fighters, putting its planned fleet roughly on par with Israel’s current 50 F-35s.
But the deal still requires congressional review and is likely to face opposition from lawmakers who have long been sceptical of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Israael has also opposed transferring the aircraft to the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has close military and security ties with China, adding to US concerns over the protection of sensitive F-35 technology. The State Department said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives and “will not alter the military balance in the region.”The Trump administration on Friday cleared a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, opening the way for the kingdom to acquire the advanced US stealth aircraft for the first time.
The US State Department said the proposed sale would support Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of Saudi Arabia, which it described as a major non-NATO ally and an important force for stability and economic progress in the Gulf.
The package includes 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, along with communications equipment, training, spare parts, maintenance and logistical support. The proposal now goes through a congressional review process.
The State Department said the proposed sale “will not alter the military balance in the region”, reflecting the longstanding US policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge over regional rivals.
The move comes as fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen has intensified. Saudi Arabia has sought greater US involvement in the conflict, while Washington has so far stopped short of directly intervening on Riyadh’s behalf.
The Houthis on Wednesday claimed they had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter over Marib. Houthi-controlled media also reported fresh Saudi airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday as fighting continued along several fronts.
US intelligence officials have raised concerns about the possibility that Beijing could gain access to sensitive F-35 technology through Saudi Arabia’s expanding military and security relationship with China. Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, opposed the proposed sale on those grounds, warning that the agreement has the potential to place “the crown jewels of American military technology” within reach of China.
Other US lawmakers and defence officials have also raised concerns about the potential transfer or exposure of sensitive technology.
Saudi Arabia has sought the F-35 for years, but Washington had previously resisted the request, in part because Israel is the only country in the Middle East currently operating the aircraft and has long been guaranteed access to the most advanced US weapons.
The F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation fighter designed to combine stealth, advanced sensors and precision strike capabilities. The aircraft is operated by a number of US allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
The proposed Saudi deal comes amid a broader deepening of US-Saudi defence ties under President Donald Trump. Riyadh agreed to a major US defence package during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington last year, part of a wider expansion of economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia has also strengthened its defence partnerships beyond Washington. The kingdom recently signed a mutual defence agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye, reflecting its efforts to diversify its security relationships.
Congress has 30 days to review the proposed F-35 sale and could seek to block it. Lawmakers have previously scrutinised major US arms deals with Saudi Arabia, including after the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The latest proposal therefore places Washington at the intersection of several competing priorities: strengthening its partnership with Riyadh, preserving Israel’s military advantage, protecting sensitive US defence technology and responding to China’s growing strategic presence in the Gulf.UNI AAB
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