US-Saudi F-35 Deal Triggers Debate Over Tech Security and Stability
The United States approved a $24-billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a policy shift that has sparked congressional concerns that the stealth technology could be shared with China and potentially destabilize the region. The State Department says the deal advances national security and Gulf stability, and Congress has 30 days to review or block it. If finalized, Saudi would field 48 jets, aligning its fleet with Israel’s, which is expanding toward 100 jets.