UAE says it’s suspending F-35 talks with the US

The UAE said it’s suspending talks with the US on a $23bn deal to purchase F-35 jets and other weaponry even as a delegation from the Gulf nation prepares for strategic talks Wednesday at the Pentagon.

“The UAE has informed the US that it will suspend discussions to acquire the F-35 as it reassesses the strategic requirements and the costs/benefits of the aircraft,” its embassy in Washington said in a statement Tuesday.

“Technological advances, evolving regional dynamics, and new priorities have led to the re-assessment. The UAE may restart discussions after the programme review. The UAE and US were working toward an understanding that would address mutual defense security conditions.”

Defense Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the two nations will discuss “mutual concerns” in a military dialogue at the Pentagon starting on Wednesday in an effort to “address their and our questions with respect to this sale”.

The sale to the UAE of 50 F-35s built by Lockheed Martin was proposed at the end of former President Donald Trump’s administration after the UAE formally recognised Israel.