The administration of US President Joe Biden has told Congress it is proceeding with more than $23bn in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , including advanced F-35 aircraft, armed drones and other equipment, congressional aides said on April 14.
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As a reminder, the previous deal was for the purchase of 50 Lockheed Martin F-35As and 18 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B Reaper combat drones (Picture source: US Air force)
The sale was previously accepted under Trump administration, but Biden suspended it this January. The sale cleared by former president Trump in the last days of his mandate concerns F-35 Lightning IIs that might be built in a way that ensures the same planes owned by Israel outperform any others sold in the region.Â
Shortly after the "cancellation", a statement published by the UAE embassy in the US stated: "The UAE will work closely with the Biden administration on a comprehensive approach to peace and stability in the Middle East."
Today, Biden reconsiders his decision. A State Department spokesperson said the administration would move forward with the proposed sales to the UAE, "even as we continue reviewing details and consulting with Emirati officials" related to the use of the weapons.
