US clears $24bn F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia despite intelligence warnings

Key points

• The deal includes 48 F-35 jets and a spare engine, valued at $24.3 billion, with Lockheed Martin as the manufacturer.
• US intelligence agencies have warned that China could acquire or steal F-35 technology through its security partnership with Saudi Arabia.
• The sale would place Saudi Arabia on par with Israel, which currently operates 50 F-35s, though Israel plans to double its fleet to 100.
• Congress has 30 days to scrutinize or block the sale, with Democratic lawmakers opposing the move due to national security concerns.
• The approval coincides with intensified fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen, where Riyadh has sought direct US military intervention.

Background

Previous coverage noted that the US had long resisted selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge. The Biden administration had previously linked the sale to Saudi normalization of relations with Israel, a diplomatic effort that ultimately faltered. Recent Houthi advances in Yemen, including the seizure of Red Sea coastal areas, have heightened Saudi security concerns and prompted requests for US military support, which Washington has so far declined to provide directly.

How outlets are covering it

The State Department emphasizes that the sale will not alter the regional military balance and supports US foreign policy objectives by strengthening a non-NATO ally. In contrast, The New York Times highlights internal intelligence warnings that China could exploit the technology transfer. Al Jazeera notes the timing relative to Houthi claims of shooting down a Saudi F-15, suggesting the sale is a response to deteriorating security conditions. Democratic lawmakers, such as Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, oppose the deal, arguing it risks exposing 'crown jewels' of American military technology to Beijing, while the administration insists the move enhances stability in the Gulf.

Why it matters

The approval signals a significant shift in US arms policy, potentially eroding Israel's exclusive access to top-tier American technology in the Middle East. It also raises concerns about the proliferation of advanced stealth capabilities to a country with close ties to China, which could impact global security dynamics. Additionally, the deal reflects the Trump administration's prioritization of strategic partnerships with Gulf states over traditional alliances, influencing regional power balances and US influence in the Middle East.

What to watch

Congress must decide whether to block the sale within 30 days. If approved, the production and delivery of the jets will take years. The outcome may influence future US arms sales policies and relations with Israel and China. Meanwhile, the situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the Houthis continuing to challenge Saudi-backed forces, potentially affecting the urgency of the Saudi request for advanced weaponry.