UAE seeks to purchase F-35 aircraft if Trump re-elected

WORLD, Sept. 14 (YPA) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly preparing to revive a multi-billion-dollar agreement with the US for F-35 fighter jets and armed drones if Donald Trump secures a second term as president in November, several sources familiar with matter said.

According to the sources, the UAE has long sought the most advanced fighter jet, built with stealth technology allowing it to evade enemy detection.

If the US did approve the transfer, the UAE would be only the second Middle East state after Israel to operate F-35 fighters.

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.

Three sources said that three sources said that if Trump was re-elected, the UAE would seek to resume talks, asking a new Trump administration to fulfil the original agreement.

One of the sources said the UAE would ask a new Trump administration to “honour” the 2021 deal.

@E.Y.M