UAE Eyes Reviving F-35 Deal with U.S. if Trump Returns to Office

The UAE is considering reigniting talks with the U.S. to secure a multi-billion dollar deal for F-35 warplanes and armed drones if Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. Trump's previous administration had approved the deal, but discussions were halted under Biden's presidency over unmet conditions.

The United Arab Emirates is poised to revisit a shelved multi-billion-dollar military deal with the United States should Donald Trump reclaim the presidency in 2024, sources disclosed to Reuters. The pact, originally greenlit by Trump, involves the purchase of sophisticated F-35 warplanes and advanced drones.

The UAE had paused negotiations by the end of 2021 due to disagreements with the Biden administration over operational terms. With Trump potentially returning to office, the Gulf state hopes to revive the agreement, seeking the fulfillment of the conditions set during Trump's final days in office.

This move underscores the UAE's strategic ambition to expand its military capabilities and maintain operational parity with regional powers. The complex geopolitical landscape, marked by fluctuating U.S.-UAE relations and growing UAE-China ties, adds layers of intrigue to the unfolding scenario.

(With inputs from agencies.)