Blinken says US will move forward with F-35 sale to UAE
Blinken's comments came after the Emirati government said it was suspending discussions on the sale.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday the United States is prepared move forward with the sale of F-35 aircraft and other weaponry to the United Arab Emirates after reports emerged that the wealthy Gulf country had suspended negotiations on the deal.
The arms deal, which emerged in the waning days of the Trump administration, would make the UAE the first Arab country to obtain Lockheed Martin’s F-35, the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. The $23 billion package, which also includes Reaper drones and precision munitions, was placed under review by the Biden administration in January.
Speaking to reporters during a trip to Malaysia, Blinken said the United States is “prepared to move forward ... if that is what the Emiratis are interested in doing.”
Blinken’s comments came a day after the UAE’s embassy in Washington confirmed it had suspended discussions over the planned upgrades to its advanced defense capabilities.
