US Approves Record $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
SCMP · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The United States has approved its first-ever sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, authorizing the potential purchase of 48 aircraft for $24.3 billion. The State Department notified Congress of the proposed arms deal amid heightened Middle East tensions including renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi forces. US intelligence officials have raised concerns that China could exploit its security partnerships with Riyadh to acquire sensitive F-35 technology.
Key Points
- The State Department announced on Thursday the proposed sale of up to 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia, valued at US$24.3 billion
- The sale is Saudi Arabia's latest major arms purchase since the start of the Iran war, with the kingdom having long sought to acquire the advanced stealth aircraft
- Israel currently remains the only country in the Middle East operating F-35s, with Israeli officials having voiced concerns about the sale to Riyadh
- US intelligence analysts have warned that Beijing could potentially acquire F-35 technology through espionage or by leveraging its partnerships with Saudi Arabia
- Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, has publicly opposed the sale on national security grounds
Why It Matters
The F-35 sale marks a significant shift in US Middle East policy, potentially undermining Israel's exclusive regional advantage with the advanced stealth platform. The proposed transaction also highlights the growing tension between US strategic partnerships and concerns about Chinese technological espionage, particularly in nations where Beijing maintains strong economic and security ties .
The F-35 sale marks a significant shift in US Middle East policy, potentially undermining Israel's exclusive regional advantage with the advanced stealth platform. The proposed transaction also highlights the growing tension between US strategic partnerships and concerns about Chinese technological espionage, particularly in nations where Beijing maintains strong economic and security ties .