Retired Generals Question Saudi F-35 Acquisition Amid China Tech Threat Concerns
China’s history of stealing F-35 technology has raised security concerns as military experts debate potential Saudi Arabia military sales and national security risks. The concern stems from China’s well-documented track record of penetrating U.S. defense programs, including the theft of advanced military systems such as stealth designs, propulsion systems, and avionics. This has become a central issue in discussions about whether the United States should sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to experts and retired senior military commanders.
Retired General Charles Wald, a former U.S. Air Force officer and former deputy commander of EUCOM, highlighted that the United States had already rejected the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, due to the same concerns about Chinese technology exploitation. He stated that while Saudi Arabia may not directly share F-35 technology with China, the Chinese intelligence services could still exploit it through various means, including cyber infiltration. Wald emphasized that the risk is not due to Saudi Arabia sharing technology directly but rather the potential for Chinese intelligence to gain access to the fighter jet’s capabilities through other channels.
Gordon Chang, a China expert, argued that Beijing’s ability to penetrate U.S. defense programs is well-established. He suggested that the United States should assume that China has already obtained all necessary information about the F-35. Chang warned that while the strategic benefits of strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia are significant, particularly with regard to diplomatic progress with Israel, the risk of technology leakage remains a pressing issue.
Chinese intelligence services have long been implicated in efforts to harvest advanced American military technology, including stealth designs, propulsion systems, and advanced avionics. This has led to concerns about how U.S. defense systems are transferred to allied nations and the potential for espionage. Experts suggest that other U.S. allies, such as South Korea, could present even greater concerns in terms of technology leakage. This has sparked a broader debate about the security implications of selling advanced military systems to foreign partners.
Despite these concerns, retired commanders have stressed that a Saudi F-35 acquisition would not necessarily undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge. Wald noted that Israeli pilots, planners, and engineers maintain a higher level of training and innovation and have successfully integrated their own upgrades into the aircraft to enhance its capabilities. He added that even if the sale is approved, Saudi Arabia would not receive the aircraft for years due to the extensive development and approval processes involved.
Ashley and Wald also argued that in the long term, additional F-35s in the region could enhance shared situational awareness and strengthen collective defenses against Iran. Retired Vice Adm. Mark Fox pointed out that the F-35’s data-sharing architecture means more aircraft in allied hands improve the overall performance. He argued that having more F-35s in the region increases the collective capability of the coalition. This underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and the need for a balanced approach to national security and diplomatic relations.
As the United States continues to weigh its options, the debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing national security interests with the strategic advantages of military partnerships. The situation reflects the complex interplay between technological advancement, international relations, and the risks associated with sharing advanced military systems with allied nations.