UAE rules out resuming F-35 deal talks with US Regardless of rlection outcome

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not plan to resume negotiations with the US over a multi-billion-dollar deal for F-35 fighter jets, regardless of the result of the upcoming US presidential election, a senior UAE government official said.

This statement came after a report which suggested that the UAE could reconsider restarting talks for the purchase of F-35s and armed drones if Donald Trump wins a second term in office, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

However, the UAE official clarified that the factors that caused the talks to stall in 2021 still persist, making a return to negotiations unlikely.

The UAE might consider restarting talks for the purchase of F-35s and armed drones if Donald Trump wins a second term, the official clarified that the conditions that led to the suspension of the talks in 2021 have not changed.

"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 UAE official said.

Talks initially stalled at the end of 2021 after the UAE failed to reach an agreement with the Biden administration on several terms, despite former President Trump approving the deal in his final days in office. The UAE had long sought the advanced fighter jet, which boasts stealth technology and superior capabilities. However, technical and operational concerns, alongside a cost-benefit reassessment, were cited as reasons for halting the negotiations.

The UAE remains the only Middle Eastern nation, apart from Israel, that has expressed interest in acquiring the F-35. The official did not comment on the possibility of renewed discussions to purchase armed drones.