Trump has torn up the alleged deal on military secrets

It comes as Saudi Arabia seeks stronger security guarantees from the US during a period of heightened regional tensions, while Trump has urged Riyadh to normalize relations with Israel.

Officials briefed on a recent intelligence assessment say the risks associated with the deal are significant.

A US intelligence source said: “The concern is not just the transfer itself, but the environment in which these systems would operate. Saudi Arabia has overlapping security relationships that could create risk points for sensitive technology. This F-35 deal could essentially amount to Trump handing out US secrets in exchange for billions of dollars.”

A Pentagon official added: “The F-35 is built around highly classified systems – once that ecosystem is compromised, it is extremely difficult to control.”

The F-35 is widely regarded as the most advanced multirole fighter in the US arsenal, with stealth capabilities, sensor fusion and encrypted communications designed to give pilots a decisive edge.

Analysts warn that even limited access to the systems could allow adversaries to reverse engineer critical components or develop countermeasures.

A defense source familiar with the discussions told us: “This isn’t just an arms sale – it’s a potential transfer of technological advantage. If adversaries gain insight into how the aircraft operates, it could erode years of strategic superiority. It’s downright crazy.”

Concerns have focused in part on China’s growing ties with Saudi Arabia, including cooperation on security and infrastructure projects.

Officials fear that Chinese intelligence services could abuse these links to gather information about the aircraft’s design and operational capabilities.

While there is no suggestion that Riyadh would deliberately transfer US technology, intelligence officials have warned that vulnerabilities could emerge through indirect channels.

The proposed agreement is also linked to broader diplomatic efforts in the region. Saudi Arabia has sought a formal U.S. security commitment, similar to an existing agreement with Qatar, under which Washington would treat an attack on the Gulf state as a threat to the United States.

Israel, which is currently the sole operator of the F-35 in the Middle East, has historically resisted such sales to regional neighbors due to concerns about maintaining its qualitative military edge.

U.S. law requires Washington to maintain that advantage in approving arms transactions, creating additional political and strategic challenges for the administration.

A congressional aide familiar with the review process said lawmakers were growing increasingly uneasy about the proposal.

They said: “There is a real fear on Capitol Hill that this could set a precedent. Once you open the door to transferring this level of skill, you cannot fully control how it is used or who ultimately learns from it.”