The U.S. State Department has cleared a massive defense deal of F-35 fighter jets and MQ-9 unmanned systems for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that he had formally authorized the sale in keeping with the administration’s Middle East peace efforts, adding that “The United Arab Emirates is a longtime vital U.S. security partner.”
The defense deal worth $23.37 billion includes up to 50 F-35 Lightning II aircraft valued at $10.4 billion, 18 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Systems valued at $2.97 billion and a package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, valued at $10 billion.
“This is in recognition of our deepening relationship and the UAE’s need for advanced defense capabilities to deter and defend itself against heightened threats from Iran.”
Mike Pompeo said.
The notification follows the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE, under which the Arab states have agreed to normalize relations with Israel.
“The UAE’s historic agreement to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to positively transform the region’s strategic landscape” Pompeo said, adding that “Security cooperation and defense trade are powerful tools of American diplomacy”.
Israeli officials have previously expressed concerns about an F-35 sale because it could affect the balance of military power in the region. But Pompeo said it would be “fully consistent” with America’s longstanding policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitive military advantage.
