UAE-US talks on F-35 fighter acquisition suspended: ‘Washington is asking for a lot’

The United Arab Emirates has broken off talks withthe US on the supply of 50 F-35 fighter jets as itconsidersthat the Americans have too manydemands and impose so many restrictions thatultimately create problems forthe Emirates‘ foreignand national security policy.

“The UAE has informed the US that it is suspendingtalks“ on the acquisition of 50 F-35 fighters, anEmiratiofficial said.

“Technical requirements, operational constraints anda cost versus profit analysis led to thisreassessment,” headded.

The Gulf country has alternatives. In early December, the Emirates signed an agreement with France forthepurchase of 80 Rafale fighters for 14 billioneuros. euros, during a visit by French PresidentEmmanuel Macron.

However, according to one official, the US remains“the Emirate‘s preferred supplier” for advancedtechnologysystems and, despite the suspension ofthe F-35 talks, a UAE delegation will visitWashington this week fortalks.

“We hope we can resolve all the problems,” a StateDepartment spokesman commented.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said for his partthat it is useful to discuss prerequisites beforetechnologytransfer. These preconditions as well as “the protection of US defence weapons are universal, non-negotiable“ and do not only concern theEmirates, he stressed.

Members of the Democratic Party had tried, in vain, to block the sale because of the Emirates‘ participation inthe international coalition fighting inYemen under the leadership of Saudi Arabia.

US officials are also concerned about China‘sinvolvement in the UAE, particularly because of thework Beijinghas undertaken on a port near thecapital Abu Dhabi.