Pentagon Raises Concerns About U.S. Selling F‑35 Lightning II Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia

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Introduction

The U.S. Department of Defense is now raising serious concerns over a proposed sale of up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, a Pentagon intelligence assessment warns that transferring the advanced aircraft could compromise U.S. military technology, especially given Riyadh’s growing engagement with Beijing and Beijing’s access to Saudi-based networks.

This development marks a major shift in U.S. arms-export policy, the Middle East power balance, and the global competitive landscape for fifth-generation combat jets.

The Proposed Sale & Background

Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase up to 48 F-35s comes amid its Vision 2030 defence-modernisation agenda and follows a record-setting arms-package agreement with the U.S. earlier in 2025.

The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced combat aircraft featuring stealth, sensor fusion and network-enabled warfare capabilities. Until now, the only regional operator in the Middle East has been Israel.

A Reuters report noted: “Saudi Arabia’s request has cleared a major Pentagon hurdle … but still requires Cabinet-level approval, sign-off from the President and notification to Congress.”

Why the Pentagon Is Concerned

1. Technology Leakage & China

According to the New York Times via Reuters, Pentagon intelligence officials express concern that if Saudi Arabia acquires the F-35s, China could gain access to sensitive technology via Saudi networks or Chinese defence-industrial links.

Given Saudi Arabia’s expanding security ties with China—especially in drones, electronics and digital-infrastructure sectors—some officials believe the risk is concrete.

2. Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME)

U.S. law and policy require that Israel maintain a “qualitative military edge” over any regional adversary. Selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia could erode Israel’s distinct advantage, prompting Israeli political opposition and complicating U.S. policy credibility.

3. Regional Arms Race & Stability

Allowing Riyadh to field two squadrons of F-35s would significantly elevate the kingdom’s air-combat power—and potentially trigger an arms race in the Gulf region. Observers warn that this could further destabilise Middle East air-power dynamics.

4. Human Rights & Congressional Resistance

Congressional lawmakers remain wary of arms exports to Saudi Arabia because of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi-led operations in Yemen. Any F-35 deal is likely to face intense scrutiny and potential amendments to limit capabilities or risk exposure.

Strategic & Business Implications

For the U.S. Defence Industry

If approved, the Saudi F-35 deal would represent a multi-billion-dollar contract for Lockheed Martin and its global supply chain—strengthening U.S. manufacturing and export-base credibility. But the concerns raised by the Pentagon may delay or reduce the value of the deal.

For Saudi Arabia

Possession of F-35s would place the Saudi Air Force among the most capable in the region. It supports Riyadh’s goals of deterrence against Iran, modernisation of aerial forces and deeper integration with Western air-power systems. The kingdom has already invested in F-15SAs and Typhoons; F-35s would mark a quantum leap.

For Israel & Regional Balance

The potential sale is deeply unsettling to Israel, which fears erosion of its air-superiority. Israeli officials argue any Saudi F-35 variant must be downgraded or restricted to maintain Israel’s edge. The optics and legal obligations surrounding QME complicate U.S. calculus.

What to Watch Next

• Approval process: The sale still needs Presidential sign-off, Cabinet-level review and Congressional notification/oversight.

• Specification of the Saudi variant: Will the jets be full Block 4 F-35As or a customised/downgraded version?

• Technology safeguards: What safeguards, encryption protocols or operational restrictions will apply to mitigate risk of tech leak?

• Congressional hearings: Expect foreign-arms-sales subcommittees, human-rights oversight and defence-committee scrutiny.

• Regional reactions: Iran, Turkey and Gulf states may respond by accelerating their own defence procurements.

• Effect on F-35 market: A Saudi sale could open the door for other prospective customers (e.g., Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) and reshape the global fighter-export market.

Conclusion

The proposed sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia is more than a simple arms contract—it sits at the intersection of defence industry business, geopolitics, strategic balance in the Middle East and U.S. technology-export risk. The Pentagon’s warning that Chinese access to stealth-fighter technology might be the unintended outcome underlines just how complex this transaction has become.

With so many moving parts and high stakes—for Washington, Riyadh and regional actors—this issue will remain a central focus of aviation & defence journalism in 2025 and beyond.