US, in controversial deal, agrees to sell F

US, in controversial deal, agrees to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia Lawmakers have expressed concerns for years that the move would give China access to sensitive technology. 09/17/2026 04:01 PM EDT The Trump administration on Thursday agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns from lawmakers and defense officials that it could give China access to highly sensitive technology. The potential $24 billion deal would provide 48 jets to the kingdom, which has close military ties with Beijing. This would put the country on par with Israel, which has a fleet of 50 jets. But the sale will still need the blessing of a long-skeptical Congress. And it will likely face pushback from Israel, which has long opposed selling the aircraft to the Saudis. “It could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who sits on the House Intelligence Committee. Israel is the only other country in the Middle East that operates the jets. And the U.S. has long pledged to assist it in maintaining a “qualitative military edge” over other countries in the region, a promise such a deal might threaten. “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region,” the State Department said in a notice announcing the decision. The proposal comes as Saudi Arabia absorbs regular missile and drone attacks from Iran, and amid renewed fighting with Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. President Donald Trump has maintained a close relationship with Saudi leaders. And his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, persuaded the country’s sovereign wealth fund to invest $2 billion into his private equity firm between Trump administrations. But Congress still needs to approve the sale before a U.S. defense contractor can even begin negotiations with the buyer. And controversy has held up F-35 orders before. The United Arab Emirates officially paused a proposed $23 billion F-35 purchase agreement in December 2021, citing concerns in the Biden administration over Abu Dhabi’s relationship with Beijing and its use of Huawei 5G technology.