US President Trump approves sale of F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia counter Houthis: Will the US congress approve this deal with the threat of Chinese espionage?

The sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia has officially approved by the US State Department, needs US Congress's ultimate approval.

Despite having several factors in hand President Trump has chosen to authorize the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for a total estimated of $24.3 billion, as it waits for the final approval from the US congress.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” On Thursday, the State Department released a statement.

However the announcement from US State Department concerns the US lawmakers about various factors, such as;

• Saudi Arabia having close ties with Chinese administration and lawmakers are worried that the American military technology will be within the reach of Chinese Government. For this reasons, US congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, voiced objection to the sale, stating, “The deal should not go ahead, 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.”
• Lawmakers are also concerned about the fact that the only other Middle Eastern nation that uses the aircraft is Israel. Additionally, the United States has long promised to help it keep a "qualitative military edge" over other nations in the region; this commitment could be jeopardized by such an agreement. Although US State Department rejected this concern stating “The proposed ⁠sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military ⁠balance in the region.”

The news comes after the Houthi claimed on Wednesday that they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter plane near Marib, a vital city in their battle with Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia. The organization posted footage of fighters in the city standing in front of the smoldering wreckage of what appeared to be a Saudi Arabian-marked, US made F-15 fighter plane.

Earlier in September, the State Department declared that it had authorized a $5 billion sale to Riyadh of over 10,000 bombs, including extremely devastating 2,000-pound warheads. Additionally, Washington approved a $750 million sale of 60 tank engines and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia last month, as well as a $1.96 billion agreement in July for the country to purchase guidance sections capable of turning rockets into precision weapons.

As the the facts & concerns behind this arms deal are very clear, The Silicon Review asks: Will the US congress approve this deal with the threat of Chinese espionage?

Q: What are the features of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets?

A: The F-35 is the most deadly, resilient, and networked fighter aircraft currently in production, providing pilots with an edge over any enemy and allowing them to carry out their mission and return home safely. The F-35's value and versatility are unparalleled, and it has been seen in combat.

Q: Why US lawmakers are concerned over this arms deal 2026?

A: Saudi Arabia having close ties with Chinese administration and lawmaker are worried that the American military technology will be in the reach of Chinese Government

Q: Can F-35 carry non-US weapons?

A: Yes. To help allied nations in air superiority, the F-35's ability to carry both American and foreign weaponry. For instance, earlier last year, the F-35B successfully tested the Meteor missile.

Q: Which Middle Eastern Country has F-35 fighter jet technology so far?

A: Israel is the only Middle Eastern Nation yet to have this technology.

Q: What is the primary reason behind the deal?

A: To counter Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthi claimed on Wednesday that they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter plane near Marib, a vital city in their battle with Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia.