Krishnamoorthi Opposes F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia After U.S. Intelligence Warns China Could Obtain Sensitive Technology

WASHINGTON - Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today opposed the Trump Administration's proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia following reports that U.S. intelligence officials have warned China could gain access to sensitive American military technology through the deal.

"The Trump Administration should not move forward with its proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia when our own intelligence community is warning that it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing has spent decades stealing American intellectual property and technology to close the gap with the United States, and we must not help them do it. We must not sell our most advanced fighter jet anywhere the CCP may be able to get its hands on the technology inside it."

According to The New York Times, U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that China could acquire F-35 technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia or through the kingdom's military and security relationship with Beijing. A recent Defense Intelligence Agency report raised concerns about Chinese military access to Saudi bases, Chinese technology in Saudi telecommunications infrastructure, and whether sensitive F-35 sites could be adequately secured. The proposed $24 billion sale includes 48 F-35s and a spare engine, with U.S. officials particularly concerned about protecting the aircraft's advanced radar and surveillance technology.

Krishnamoorthi has led congressional efforts to prevent the CCP from gaining access to sensitive American technology, including investigations into U.S. investment in Chinese artificial intelligence, semiconductor, and quantum companies, scrutiny of semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales to China, and calls to tighten export controls on advanced chips following the emergence of DeepSeek.