Suspension of Arms Purchase Negotiations, Chilly Atmosphere Between US and UAE

(Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the suspension of purchase negotiations for $23 billion (approximately 27 trillion KRW) worth of U.S. military equipment, including the latest F-35 fighter jets and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. Analysts suggest that a subtle chill is forming between the U.S. and the UAE as the Gulf region's key U.S. ally has recently shown closer ties with China, raising security concerns from the U.S.

According to major foreign media such as The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 14th (local time), the UAE Embassy in Washington notified the U.S. through a letter that "after analyzing technical requirements, sovereignty restrictions, and cost/benefit factors, it is suspending negotiations for the F-35 purchase." The UAE explained, "The security conditions imposed by the U.S. to prevent Chinese espionage on advanced weapons are too strict and could jeopardize national sovereignty."

It added, "The U.S. will remain the primary supplier for the UAE's advanced security needs, and F-35 negotiations may resume in the future." It is known that the U.S. proposed conditions to ensure that next-generation fighter jets and advanced drones are not vulnerable to Chinese espionage activities.

This announcement came a day before a high-level military meeting between the U.S. and the UAE scheduled at the U.S. Department of Defense on the 15th. WSJ reported that it is unclear whether the UAE's announcement signifies a complete halt in negotiations or is a strategy to increase bargaining power ahead of the UAE's senior military delegation's visit to the U.S.

Earlier, during the final days of the Donald Trump administration, the U.S. approved a $23 billion arms sale plan to the UAE, including 50 F-35 fighter jets and 18 advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. However, as security cooperation between the UAE, a key U.S. ally in the Gulf region, and China has begun to emerge and signs of the UAE becoming a major trading partner have been detected, the U.S. has raised security concerns.

Bloomberg reported that the Biden administration pressured the UAE to cease using Chinese Huawei's communication networks and to distance itself from China, citing threats to U.S. security, and that this announcement may be a reaction to such pressure.

The announcement came less than two weeks after the UAE government signed a contract to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters from France. WSJ noted that this suggests the UAE may seek a $23 billion arms deal through partners other than the U.S.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.