UAE Will Not Resume F-35 Fighter Jet Discussions with U.S.

DUBAI (Reuters) – A senior official from the United Arab Emirates has stated that the nation does not anticipate resuming discussions with the U.S. regarding a multi-billion dollar deal for F-35 warplanes, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election in November.

Reports indicated that the UAE was considering rekindling negotiations for the purchase of F-35s and armed drones if Donald Trump were to secure a second term. Trump had previously approved the deal towards the end of his presidency in 2021, but talks were halted by the UAE later that year due to difficulties in reaching an agreement with the Biden administration.

The UAE has expressed a longstanding interest in acquiring the advanced fighter jet, known for its stealth capabilities that enable it to avoid detection by enemies. If the U.S. were to sanction the sale, the UAE would become the second country in the Middle East, following Israel, to operate the F-35.

On Saturday, the UAE official pointed out that the same issues that led to the suspension of talks in 2021 remain unresolved, and thus, the government does not plan to reopen negotiations.

"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 U.S. elections," the senior official conveyed in a statement.

The official elaborated that a reassessment based on technical requirements, operational restrictions, and a cost-benefit analysis informed their ongoing stance. However, the official did not provide any comments regarding the possibility of initiating new discussions to acquire armed drones.