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. to purchase F-35 fighter jets, drones, and other weapons, citing technical requirements, operational restrictions, and cost-benefit analysis.
The decision follows a report that the UAE threatened to cancel the deal due to U.S. demands for strict security measures to protect U.S. technology from China.
While the U.S. remains committed to the deal and hopes to resolve outstanding issues, the suspension reflects growing political tensions in the Persian Gulf and the UAE's strengthening ties with China.
The UAE's decision marks a potential shift away from its long-standing alliance with the U.S. in the defense sector.

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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.”