The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- US intelligence agencies have warned that a proposed $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could allow China to obtain sensitive American military technology.
- The Defence Intelligence Agency assessment flagged that China's growing military ties with Saudi Arabia and Chinese technology in Saudi infrastructure could create avenues for espionage against the F-35 programme.
- US officials are also concerned about Chinese-made Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment in Saudi networks and defence installations, and whether Riyadh would agree to remove it.
- Saudi Arabia has previously bought Chinese ballistic missiles, and Chinese military personnel have helped build missile production facilities in the kingdom.
- The deal's fate matters because the F-35 carries advanced radar, sensors and surveillance systems that the US fears Chinese state-linked actors have historically sought through espionage and technology theft.
What to watch next
- Whether the US approval process for the 48-jet sale advances despite the intelligence concerns.
- Whether Saudi Arabia agrees to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from networks linked to F-35 operations.
- How Israel responds to Saudi Arabia potentially becoming a neighbouring F-35 operator.
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Named United States · Saudi Arabia · China · Israel · United Technologies · Defence Intelligence Agency · Department of Justice · Federal Bureau of Investigation · Huawei · Lockheed Martin · The New York Times · Zte
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