The U.S. is moving forward with its plan to sell 50 F-35 stealth fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates. A senior official overseeing arms exports said Tuesday that the country is "fully committed" to the deal, despite reluctance from some members of the Biden administration.
The deputy U.S. assistant secretary of state in the Biden administration, Mira Resnick, said at the Dubai Air Show that there still has to be a clear understanding of "Emirati obligations" before the transaction can push through. Resnick said officials are continuing negotiations with UAE officials to iron out an agreement concerning their actions before, during, and after delivery of the fighter jets.
Resnick said the U.S. would like the UAE to have its F-35s so they can also act as the county's security partners in the region to deter threats, including those from Iran. There have been reports that the UAE is planning to purchase weapons from Russia, given the U.S.'s concerns about human rights in the region.
A Russian delegation reportedly met with Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Tuesday at the air show to highlight the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, Russia's challenger to the F-35.
The proposed sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets occurred near the conclusion of President Donald Trump's presidency. The UAE, a hereditarily controlled federation of seven sheikhdoms that includes Dubai, also planned to purchase armed drones and other defensive equipment as part of the $23 billion contract.
After Joe Biden was sworn in, the deal was on put on hold. The decision to temporarily put the deal on hold was in part due to criticism of the UAE and Saudi Arabia for their years-long war in Yemen, which has resulted in the world's greatest humanitarian disaster, which continues to this day.
Some officials have also expressed concerns about the sale given the UAE's growing relationship with China, including its continued use of Huawei Technologies telecommunications equipment.
Concerns over human rights have also hampered the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia. After U.S. intelligence services claimed they believe Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
American munitions fragments have also been discovered in areas in Yemen where people have perished as a result of the kingdom's airstrikes. When asked about the assaults, Resnick said the U.S. wants to ensure that American weapons are employed in ways that benefit U.S. national security and that the U.S. is working with allies to prevent civilian deaths.
