US to proceed with sale of F-35s to UAE

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. is ready to proceed with a $23 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets and drones to the United Arab Emirates after the middle eastern nation said it would suspend talks.

The arms deal would add stability to the region which is now being targeted by China. The biggest issue facing the US is that the technology
may upset the Israeli – Arab Nations balance in favour of the UAE. Military analysts point out that Iran is largely
to blame for instability in the region, thus UAE being threatened , is forcing it to seek China as a defence supplier.

The F35 offers the US a chance to strengthen the region as the F35 offers a multitude of options for US business’s , primarily arms
but there are secondary sectors which could be developed in the UAE , that could build better economic bridges in the region.

The deal included the UAE purchasing 50 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, as many as 18 MQ-9B unmanned aerial systems, and air-to-air and air-to-ground projectiles.

If the UAE fail to get adequate assurance , then the China route will be the next avenue, something the Biden administration
wishes to avoid , especially as Bidens ratings in the US are dropping alarmingly.However UAE may seek a plan B option
outside the US zone to better its ‘value for money’ position both economically and politically.

SA Artillery

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