UAE Decides Not to Resume F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with the US

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided not to resume negotiations with the United States regarding the supply of F-35 fighter jets. In January 2021, Reuters reported, citing sources, that the UAE signed a contract before Joe Biden's inauguration for the purchase of 50 F-35 jets and 18 drones. The total amount of the order is $23.37 billion.

The United States hoped to finalize the deal in December when Donald Trump was president, but negotiations were protracted. Later, the Biden administration announced a freeze on several arms sales, including those with the Emirates.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin.

According to the Financial Times, the decision to reassess the deal in 2021 came after evaluating its cost-effectiveness, technical requirements, and restrictions.