Reuters: UAE plans to revive F-35 deal with Trump if re-elected

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly preparing to revive a multi-billion dollar agreement with the U.S. for F-35 fighter jets and armed drones should Donald Trump secure a second term as president in November.

According to several sources cited by Reuters, the UAE, which has long sought the advanced F-35 fighter jet known for its stealth technology, would become only the second Middle Eastern nation after Israel to operate these aircraft if the deal is finalized, per Caliber.Az.

Trump had initially approved the $23 billion deal, which included MQ-9 Reaper drones and munitions, during his final days in office in 2021. This approval came after the UAE established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, an accord facilitated by Trump’s administration.

However, the UAE suspended negotiations by the end of 2021 due to disagreements over terms with the Biden administration. Should Trump be re-elected, sources suggest that the UAE intends to renew discussions and press for the fulfilment of the 2021 agreement. One source indicated that the UAE would urge a new Trump administration to “honour” the original deal.

The Biden administration has indicated a willingness to move forward with the deal, but the process has been stalled. A UAE official did not confirm or deny the intention to request a renewed deal under Trump but emphasized the strong institutional relationships and enduring partnership between the UAE and the U.S. across different administrations. “Our nations share a commitment to advancing mutual interests and addressing shared concerns,” the official stated.

The UAE remains a key security ally of the U.S. in the Middle East, having collaborated closely with American forces in various campaigns, including Afghanistan. American troops are also stationed in Abu Dhabi.

In a statement, Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that a second Trump term would “once again deliver peace through strength,” aiming to rebuild and expand the peace coalition established during his first presidency.

Historically, U.S. policy has restricted the sale of advanced jet fighters to Middle Eastern countries to ensure Israel’s military edge over its neighbours. Trump’s administration was known for its warm relations with Gulf states, including the UAE. Although UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan did not visit the White House during the Biden administration, he met President Biden in Jeddah in 2022.

The sources did not address what the UAE’s plans might be if Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, were to win the election. Harris, who visited the UAE in 2022 and 2023, has engaged with Emirati officials during her trips.

The Biden administration has explored the possibility of selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of broader negotiations involving a bilateral defence treaty and Saudi-Israeli diplomatic relations. The White House has not yet commented on the conditions required for the UAE deal to proceed before the end of Biden’s term.

Recent tensions have surfaced between the U.S. and the UAE, including Emirati frustrations over conditions imposed by the Biden administration for the F-35 deal and U.S. concerns regarding the UAE's dealings with Iran and Russia. Additionally, there have been U.S. worries about the UAE’s relationship with China, given its significant economic ties and the use of Chinese technology in its infrastructure, which has raised security concerns.

The UAE currently operates American-made F-16s and French Mirage 2000-9s and has also ordered French Rafale fighters.