Following a years-long back-and-forth, the F-35 sale to UAE lies comatose. Emirati-U.S. relations have worsened in the past year as the UAE refused to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the Emiratis hope that one day soon, negotiations could resume, and eventually, the UAE Air Force & Air Defense (UAE-AFAD) will operate the fifth generation stealth fighter.
Tactical Report has prepared a 1649-word report as well as an infographic to provide a definitive overview of the deal since 2009 and shed light on key events.
Our special report is structured as follows:
Key Judgements
Current Program Status
Program History
-2009-2013: UAE Develops Interest in F-35
-2014-2017: Early Optimism
-2018-2019: F-35 Negotiations Advance
-2020: Trump Oks F-35 Deal to the UAE
-2021: F-35 Deal Nearly Terminated Under Biden
-2022: Deal Still Alive?