The United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not expect to resume discussions with the U.S. regarding a multi-billion dollar deal for F-35 warplanes, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, according to a senior UAE government official.
Despite previous reports by Reuters suggesting that the UAE might restart negotiations to acquire F-35s and armed drones if Donald Trump is re-elected, the UAE has clarified its stance.
The potential deal had initially moved forward during the last days of Trump’s presidency in 2021, but negotiations were suspended by the end of that year due to unresolved terms with the Biden administration.
The UAE has been interested in acquiring the advanced F-35 fighter jets, which are equipped with stealth technology that enables them to evade detection. Should the deal have proceeded, the UAE would have been only the second Middle Eastern country, after Israel, to operate these aircraft.
However, the senior UAE official emphasized that the reasons for halting the talks in 2021 remain unchanged and there are no plans to reopen these 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 US elections,” the official stated. The decision to reassess the deal was based on “technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions and cost/benefit analysis,” and these factors continue to guide the UAE’s current stance.
The official did not provide comments regarding any new negotiations about the potential purchase of armed drones.