US intel warns China could spy in Saudi to steal F-35 jet tech amid pending sale: Report

US intelligence officers have reportedly warned that China could try to steal F-35 fighter jet technology as the United States plans a $24-billion deal with Saudi Arabia.

Unveiling of the new F-35 during a rollout ceremony of F-35 fighter jets at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas, US December 16, 2025. (Reuters/File)According to a New York Times report, US intelligence officers have raised concerns over China's espionage bid in internal reports. Ahead of the pending sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, intelligence analysts have warned of a possibility that China could attempt to obtain the technology by spying in Saudi Arabia or use its military and security partnership with the kingdom to acquire it.

The concerns over threat of Chinese espionage are not new. Last year in November, a report by the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency highlighted the exchange of technology between China and Saudi Arabia.

The report spoke about the access Chinese military had to Saudi bases, while also highlighting the use of Chinese technology in Saudi Arabia' telecommunications infrastructure, the New York Times had reported, citing an official.

The report has been shared with multiple agencies across the administration as well as congressional offices, alongside analyses produced by other intelligence organisations. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) had previously released a broader assessment in 2025 addressing similar risks, at a time when the administration was considering the proposed arms sales.

In November, US President Donald Trump announced the F-35 jet deal with Saudi Arabia a day before welcoming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House.

According to the report, the proposed deal has since progressed significantly. The latest DIA assessment expresses more specific concerns, including issues related to the technology involved.

In June, the State Department forwarded a package covering 48 aircraft and a spare engine to two congressional committees as part of the informal approval process. Several lawmakers and congressional aides have since questioned administration officials about the risks identified by the intelligence community.

There has been no official remark on the matter so far, and the US officials reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity.

Similar concerns were raised within the US intelligence community during President Trump’s first term. In 2020, his administration agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates as part of an agreement under which the Emirates would establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More