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 United Arab Emirates has suspended talks with the U.S. regarding the acquisition of advanced F-35 fighter jets, military drones, and other weapons.
The UAE cited "technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis" as reasons for reassessing the deal.
Reports suggest the primary underlying factor is the U.S. push for strict security rules to protect sophisticated technology from China, given the UAE's strengthening economic ties with Beijing.
Both the UAE and the U.S. indicate that discussions could potentially be re-opened in the future, with the U.S. remaining the UAE’s preferred defense provider.

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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.”