The Department of State said the propose C$34 billion (US$24.3 billion) sale would “improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence.”
The sale comes despite concerns from U.S. intelligence agencies that China could gain access to, or steal, sensitive F-35 technology through Saudi Arabia, according to the New York Times:
One detailed report, issued months ago by the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, raised questions about whether the Americans and Saudis would be able to secure sites with F-35 technology. It also raised concerns about the access that Chinese military personnel have to Saudi bases and the prevalent use by Saudi Arabia of Chinese technology in telecommunications infrastructure and defense installations.