The White House is looking to proceed with an estimated $23 billion foreign military sale of F-35 aircraft and drones to the United Arab Emirates.
“We can confirm that that the administration intends to move forward with these proposed defense sales to the UAE, even as we continue reviewing details and consulting with Emirati officials to ensure we have developed mutual understandings with respect to Emirati obligations before, during, and after delivery,” a spokesperson for the State Department told CNN Wednesday.
Reports emerged in January that the U.S. and the UAE signed an agreement for the Middle Eastern country to buy fighter jets, drones and other weapons systems.
“The estimated delivery dates on these sales, if implemented, are scheduled for after 2025 or later. Thus, we anticipate a robust and sustained dialogue with the UAE to any defense transfers meet our mutual strategic objectives to build a stronger, interoperable, and more capable security partnership,â the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the U.S. government will continue to reinforce with the UAE and other recipients of U.S.-made defense systems that those equipment should be used in a way that complies with the laws of armed conflict and respects human rights.
