The United Arab Emirates has no plans to reopen negotiations with the United States on a purchase of F-35 fighter aircraft. Abu Dhabi’s policy will remain the revised strategy, regardless of who wins the election, a top UAE administration official stated.
Abu Dhabi intended to reopen talks to buy F-35 and fighter drones, according to a former story. According to many persons who have knowledge of the situation, the discussions were contingent upon Donald Trump winning a second term as president, as stated in a Reuters story.
During the latter days of his administration in 2021, Trump approved an agreement that would have allowed the deal to proceed.
However, failing to reach an understanding with the administration of Joe Biden, the United Arab Emirates halted negotiations a few months later. The United Arab Emirates has long coveted the most cutting-edge fighter jet, designed with invisible technology to prevent enemy identification.
The United Arab Emirates would become the only Middle Eastern state, after Israel, to be using F-35s if the United States approved the sale.
The Abu Dhabi official stated that the governing body has no plans to reopen discussions and that the same circumstances that led to the negotiation’ suspension in 2021 still exist.
“Our position remains unchanged and we do not anticipate discussions regarding the F-35 being reopened for the foreseeable future, irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming US elections.”
The UAE believes that the reevaluation at that point was prompted by cost/benefit evaluation, sovereign operating limits, and technological needs. These factors support the country’s current stance. Regarding the potential for new negotiations to buy armed drones, the official remained cautious.
UAE has been one of the first nations to normalize the ties with Israel in the Middle East, opening the chances of advanced arms trade with the United States. Washington, considering the sensitive circumstances of the region, have still been cautious on providing Abu Dhabi with similar military tools it equips Israel with.
