The UAE gets F-35 jets

Democrats failed on Wednesday to block the United States from selling top-of-the-line fighter-jets to the UAE, with most senators dismissing fears that President Donald Trump was setting off a dangerous arms race.

With the congressional hurdle cleared, the UAE will become the first Arab country to obtain the stealth fighters and the second country in the region after Israel.

The UAE ambassador to the US and Minister of State Yousef Al Otaiba thanked the Senate. “The UAE deeply appreciates the consideration of all senators on today’s votes," Mr Al Otaiba said. 

"Continued US support enables the UAE to take on more of the burden for our collective security – ours, yours and our partners. It makes us all safer.” He said that the UAE was “committed to regional de-escalation and dialogue".

The sale of 50 of these jets is valued at $10.4bn and has long been sought by the UAE. But it was the signing of the Abraham Accord in September that brought the sale to a conclusion.

Israeli officials, including ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, went on the record to defend the sale this week.

With stealthy F-35As, plus its Saab GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, the UAE will have a highly capable air force fleet – more than able to address the threat posed by Iran’s military.