US State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus talked up the US sale of F-35s to the UAE Wednesday, claiming “incredibly positive conversations” have taken place, and expressing confidence that the deal will come into place with the UAE-Israel peace process moving forward.
The Israel-UAE peace was seen facilitating more arms sales to the UAE, though Israel has since objected to F-35 sales. The UAE has expressed annoyance at this, and cancelled some more recent meetings.
Though historically the US has let Israel virtually veto arms sales in the region, the administration seems keen on selling the pricey F-35 wherever they have a buyer, and officials emphasized the UAE’s ability to afford the jets as a big point in their favor.
Talks continue on the sales, though a big question may be Congress, which has resisted major sales to Saudi and UAE forces lately over the Yemen War, and probably will resist even more if Israel openly objects to the sales.
The UAE is also one of the few nations that can afford F-35s; needing them or not is a meaningless consideration.
Is the UAE large enough to land them? Or, will they tip over, as that Congressman (with a straight face) said about Guam, if we moved military assets from Okinawa to Guam. Pretty sad when those nitwits are in the government.
“officials emphasized the UAE’s ability to afford the jets as a big point in their favor”
Priorities. Where they might use them or against who isn’t a concern. Oh, and as always, there will be a cash discount.