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The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The cost of these aircraft is about 24 billion dollars i.e. ₹ 2.3 lakh crore. However, approval from the US Congress is required before the deal can be completed.
Meanwhile, American intelligence agencies have expressed concern that the sensitive technology of F-35 may fall into the hands of China. According to US officials, this threat has been mentioned in a report by the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The report said that China may try to obtain F-35 technology by spying in Saudi Arabia or through its cooperation with the military there.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the US in November 2025. During this time, F-35 deal was agreed upon between the two countries.
Which technologies of the F-35 are of concern?
F-35 is considered to be America’s most modern fighter aircraft. It is equipped with very modern radar and surveillance systems.
American intelligence agencies fear that if China gets information related to these systems, American military technology may be harmed.
Therefore, the report says that only American and Saudi officials and authorized employees should be allowed to visit places related to the F-35.
Saudi’s growing friendship with China a cause for concern
Saudi Arabia already has military and technological ties with China. Saudi also buys ballistic missiles from China. According to American officials, China is also helping Saudi in making missiles and improving their use.
Equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE are also used in Saudi telecom and other infrastructure. American agencies have also raised questions about these devices.
UAE had to stop the deal to sell F-35
The US has previously had concerns about China providing F-35s to Arab countries. In 2020, the Trump administration agreed to sell F-35 to UAE.
Even at that time, American agencies had expressed concern about UAE’s growing military and technological ties with China. That sale process was later stopped.
Israel has also expressed concern over giving F-35 to Saudi Arabia. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East that has F-35 aircraft.
America’s policy has been to maintain Israel’s military advantage in the Middle East. Therefore, in the matter of giving F-35 to Saudi, it is also being seen that it does not affect Israel’s military advantage.
Delivery of fighter jets will take several years
The US State Department in June sent a proposal for the sale of 48 F-35 aircraft and one additional engine to two congressional committees.
The American company making F-35 is Lockheed Martin. It may take several years to prepare and deliver the aircraft. This means that despite the approval of the Trump administration, Saudi will not get the planes immediately.
Saudi Arabia wanted to buy F-35 for a long time. The US and Saudi Arabia have had military cooperation for decades and Saudi Arabia is a major buyer of US arms.
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