State Department Clears Possible Saudi F-35 Sale Amid DIA Concerns Over China

The State Department has notified Congress of a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, while an intelligence memo warns China could gain insight into the program, 19FortyFive reports.

Key points

• The package: The proposed sale covers 48 F-35s, nine Pratt & Whitney engines, spare parts, support items and related communications equipment, and it is not yet final.
• The official case: The notice to Congress says the sale would bolster a major non-NATO ally, improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces and "not alter the military balance in the region."
• The intelligence concern: Citing The New York Times, the outlet says a Defense Intelligence Agency memo found that Chinese technology in Saudi telecommunications and Chinese access to Saudi bases pose risks to F-35 secrets.
• Suggested safeguards: U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Saudi Arabia should limit program access, keep China away from it and remove ZTE and Huawei gear from its defense and telecom networks.
• Israel's position: Israel is so far the only regional country in the program and the only nation anywhere allowed to modify the jet, fitting its F-35Is with an Elbit electronic warfare system.

Quick take

Writer Caleb Larson argues the deal would mark a major shift in U.S. Middle East policy and says the notice to Congress sidesteps the espionage question. He also notes that Saudi Arabia buys Chinese weapons, including ballistic missiles, and that Beijing is assisting with a Saudi missile production line.

Read the full story at 19FortyFive.