State Department Greenlights $24.3B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Despite China Espionage Fears

Key points

• The State Department approved the sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion.
• The deal would bring Saudi Arabia’s fighter jet fleet to parity with Israel, which currently possesses 50 F-35s.
• Congress was notified on Thursday and has 30 days to scrutinize or block the transfer.
• The sale follows a $142 billion defense package agreed upon during President Trump’s May 2025 visit to Riyadh.
• The State Department asserts the sale will not alter the regional military balance and supports US national security.

Background

This approval follows earlier reports in September 2026 that US officials had reached a deal for the same 48 jets, drawing scrutiny over technology security and regional stability. Previous administrations, including the Biden administration, had considered F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia but conditioned them on diplomatic normalization with Israel, a step that ultimately did not occur. The current administration has prioritized Saudi Arabia as the largest recipient of US arms, framing the kingdom as an anchor for regional security.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and BBC highlight the controversy surrounding the sale, noting that Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and other lawmakers fear the technology could be stolen by China, which maintains a military partnership with Riyadh. The New York Times, cited by NBC, reports that intelligence analysts raised concerns about Chinese espionage in Saudi Arabia. In contrast, the State Department and the Saudi Embassy emphasize the strategic partnership, arguing the sale strengthens US defense industrial capabilities and ensures Saudi Arabia continues to purchase American equipment. BBC notes that while Israel is expanding its fleet to 100 jets, the sale to Saudi Arabia would initially match its current 50-jet fleet. All sources agree that the deal faces a 30-day congressional review period.

Why it matters

The approval signals a major shift in US defense policy, potentially normalizing the transfer of advanced stealth technology to a non-NATO ally with ties to China. It tests the limits of congressional oversight over arms sales and could influence future defense agreements in the Middle East. The outcome may affect the regional military balance and the strategic relationship between the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

What to watch

Congress must decide within 30 days whether to block or allow the sale to proceed. If approved, the State Department has not provided a timeline for the shipment of the aircraft. The deal’s finalization could trigger further debates over US technology security and regional alliances.