Biden administration agrees to complete F-35 deal with Abu Dhabi

SANAA, April 14 (YPA) – US President Joe Biden’s administration has told Congress it is proceeding with more than $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, including advanced F-35 aircraft, armed drones and other equipment,  Reuters reported, citing congressional aides on Tuesday.

“The administration intends to move forward with the sale of weapons to the UAE “even as we continue to review the details and consult with UAE officials,” a State Department spokesman said, regarding the use of weapons, According to Reuters .

In early February, the UAE’s ambassador to the United States, Yusuf al-Otaiba, confirmed that new US President Joe Biden’s review of pending arms sales to US allies was close.

Al-Otaiba said he was “confident that the sale of US F-35s to the UAE will be completed after Biden’s review.

“We did everything as we should, and they will find out as soon as the review is completed and the (deal) will be completed,” al-Otaiba said, according to Reuters. Considering Biden’s review “a formality.”

The UAE struck the $23 billion aircraft deal in the last days of former President Donald Trump, including the 50 F-35s, 18 drones and other weapons. While the Biden administration decided to stop arms sales pending review by US President Joe Biden, who took office on January 20.

E.M