The potential for American military technology theft is becoming a primary worry in discussions regarding a possible U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, say both experts and former senior military leaders.

Retired Gen. Charles Wald, previously a U.S. Air Force officer and former deputy commander of EUCOM, indicated that the United States had already denied the F-35 to the UAE and Turkey, citing fears of China exploiting the technology.

“We informed Turkey they wouldn’t receive the F-35, and we conveyed the same to the UAE, due to anxieties about a potential technology transfer to China,” Wald stated. He added, “This would likely be the primary concern if Saudi Arabia acquired the F-35—not that they would directly hand it over to the Chinese, but rather that China could leverage intelligence to extract capabilities from it. However, I am not as apprehensive as some,” Wald explained during a JINSA briefing this week.

According to China expert Gordon Chang, Beijing has proven its capacity to infiltrate U.S. defense initiatives and is likely attempting to target the F-35 once more. “We should presume China possesses everything already. They previously stole the entire aircraft, and they’ve likely done it again,” Chang informed Fox News Digital.

Chang contended that Washington needs to weigh these risks against the strategic advantages of bolstering its relationship with Riyadh. He suggested, “We must solidify our ties with the crown prince, particularly if it encourages him to endorse an Abraham Accord. Provide him with modified, less advanced F-35s.”

He further remarked that other U.S. allies might pose even more significant worries. “I am considerably more concerned about South Korea possessing the aircraft and subsequently sharing its blueprints with China.”

Chinese state-sponsored actors have been implicated over several years in attempts to acquire American military and aerospace technologies, such as stealth designs, propulsion systems, and sophisticated avionics. Previously, U.S. authorities have connected Chinese cyber entities to pilfering operations aimed at leading American defense projects, including parts similar to those used in fifth-generation fighter jets.

In light of this, the United States is evaluating whether to approve the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of a larger negotiation encompassing defense guarantees and potential diplomatic advancements with Israel.

Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, who previously led the Defense Intelligence Agency, noted that while the United States employs rigorous end-use monitoring protocols to mitigate risks, these safeguards are not infallible. “A key aspect of our foreign military sales involves an end-use monitoring protocol,” Ashley stated. “We meticulously observe how these advanced systems are utilized… however, they do not offer absolute security.”

Notwithstanding the threat from China, the retired military leaders indicated their belief that a Saudi acquisition of F-35s would not jeopardize Israel’s qualitative military edge.

Wald highlighted that Israeli pilots, strategists, and engineers possess a higher degree of training and inventive capacity. “There’s a significant disparity between the actual piloting capabilities of Israel compared to other nations,” Wald remarked. He also mentioned that Israel has incorporated its own unique modifications. “The Israelis slightly altered their F-35s… they conceived or developed [additional capabilities] just before the strike on Iran.”

Wald pointed out that even with approval, Riyadh would not take delivery of the aircraft for several years. “Realistically, there’s at least a five-year timeframe before such an acquisition of the F-35 would occur,” he stated.

Ashley and Wald suggested that, over time, a greater number of F-35s in the region could improve collective situational awareness and fortify joint defenses against Iran. Retired Vice Adm. Mark Fox commented that the fighter’s data-sharing design implies that more aircraft in allied possession boosts overall effectiveness. “A key feature of the F-35 is its ability to communicate with every other F-35,” Fox explained. “Deploying more F-35s in the region inherently amplifies the coalition’s capabilities.”