UAE Says It Will Suspend Talks to Purchase F-35s from US

Security concerns regarding China reportedly are threatening to derail the multibillion dollar agreement.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 02:42 PM ET

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Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II is among the most technologically sophisticated fighter jets in the world. From the U.S. Air Force

Key Takeaways:

The UAE has suspended talks with the U.S. regarding the purchase of F-35 fighter jets and other weapons, citing technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis.
Reports suggest the suspension stems from U.S. demands for strict security protocols to protect advanced technology from China, against the backdrop of China's growing influence and economic ties with the UAE.
Both the UAE and U.S. remain open to future discussions, with the UAE still considering the U.S. its preferred defense provider and the U.S. hopeful of resolving outstanding issues.

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The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday said it “will suspend” talks with the U.S. to buy sophisticated F-35 fighter jets, military drones, and other weapons.

“The UAE has informed the U.S. that it will suspend discussions to acquire the F-35. Technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis led to the re-assessment,” said a statement from a UAE official to FLYING. “The UAE and U.S. were working toward an understanding that would address mutual defense security conditions for the acquisition.”