A former U.S. Air Force general has issued a powerful warning about America’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, as the United States debates whether it should sell the aircraft to Saudi Arabia. The concern is not that the Saudis would intentionally leak any of the jet’s technology to another country. Instead, experts say the real danger comes from China’s aggressive intelligence network, which has spent years trying to steal and leak American military secrets across multiple programs.
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Retired Gen. Charles Wald, who once served as the deputy commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), explained that the U.S. had already blocked the United Arab Emirates and Turkey from buying the F-35 because of fears that China could quietly exploit or leak sensitive details. Wald pointed out that China has advanced techniques that could allow its intelligence agencies to gain access to restricted data even if the operator is trusted.
He stressed that Saudi Arabia would not purposely leak information. The major worry is that China might still find ways to exploit the aircraft through cyber operations, surveillance, or indirect intelligence gathering. Wald said the risk of a leak exists, but he personally feels “less worried than some,” although he agrees that the concern is serious and must be addressed.
China has a long history of targeting U.S. defense programs, especially stealth aircraft, engines, avionics, and high-value software. Multiple analysts say Chinese hackers and intelligence groups have been linked to cyber intrusions involving major aircraft programs. Some stolen components and designs appear similar to those used in America’s most advanced jets, raising fears of earlier leak events.
Experts Warn China Has Already Stolen Key Designs and May Trigger Another Leak
China analyst Gordon Chang issued a sharp warning, saying the U.S. should assume China has already accessed key parts of the F-35’s design through earlier intelligence leaks. He argued that China “stole the whole plane once” and may be trying to gather or replicate additional systems again.
Despite these risks, Chang believes Washington should still consider selling a limited, “stripped-down” version of the F-35 to Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties and possibly support progress on an updated Abraham Accord. He added that he is “more worried about South Korea” unintentionally exposing sensitive information than Saudi Arabia.
Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said the United States closely monitors foreign military sales to prevent leaks or misuse. The U.S. actively uses end-use monitoring to track how countries handle advanced systems, though Ashley admitted these protections do not eliminate every gap.
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Experts also said an F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia would not undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge. Israeli pilots bring extensive combat experience, and Israel has installed its own unique upgrades into the aircraft—upgrades it does not share with other nations. These experts noted that Israel would still maintain its advantage even if a leak occurred.
Former commanders stressed that Saudi Arabia would not receive the jets soon. Wald said production schedules and training mean there is “about a five-year window” before delivery, lowering the risk of an immediate leak. Retired Vice Adm. Mark Fox added that the F-35’s advanced data-sharing link boosts regional defenses, especially if protected from any leak.
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The U.S. review of Saudi Arabia’s request for the F-35 is part of broader negotiations that involve defense guarantees, military cooperation, and potential steps toward stronger ties with Israel. The debate highlights a challenging balance: the need to strengthen partnerships while preventing any technology leak that could benefit China.
Saudi Arabia is already America’s largest arms buyer, and the addition of the F-35 would create an even deeper military relationship. However, every expert agrees that China’s intelligence operations remain the biggest external threat to the aircraft’s secrets. A single leak of the jet’s radar systems, stealth materials, software code, or sensor network could give China a major advantage.
For now, senior retired commanders say that while the risks are real, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to leak F-35 technology intentionally. The greater danger, they warn, comes from China’s determination to exploit weaknesses, conduct cyber intrusions, and gather intelligence in ways that could lead to another major leak of U.S. defense technology.
