Sale of F-35 fighters to UAE approved by US
The approval is for the sale of 50 F-35s to the United Arab Emirates. The deal is worth about $10 billion
Dan Arkin
| 01/11/2020
Photo: IDF Spokespersons Unit
The US State Department informed Congress that it has approved the sale of 50 F-35 fighters to the UAE in a deal whose worth is estimated to reach $10 billion. Sources in Washington told Reuters that there may be sharp differences of opinion in Congress over the official approval of the deal. There is an intention to sign a letter of agreement at the beginning of December, when the UAE celebrates its National Day, for the supply of the fighters.
The foreign affairs committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, where criticism of the deal has been heard, have the legal right to request additional deliberations and even to block arms deals. House member Eliot Engel emphasized that Congress must be convinced that the changing of the status quo will not put Israel's qualitative military edge at risk. Senator Bob Menendez announced that he will not automatically vote in favor of approving the deal, and that it should be discussed without time limits.
Reuters reported that last week Israel dropped its opposition to the sale of the fighters to the UAE after it received American guarantees that its military superiority will be maintained.
The approval is for the sale of 50 F-35s to the United Arab Emirates. The deal is worth about $10 billion
Photo: IDF Spokespersons Unit
The US State Department informed Congress that it has approved the sale of 50 F-35 fighters to the UAE in a deal whose worth is estimated to reach $10 billion. Sources in Washington told Reuters that there may be sharp differences of opinion in Congress over the official approval of the deal. There is an intention to sign a letter of agreement at the beginning of December, when the UAE celebrates its National Day, for the supply of the fighters.
The foreign affairs committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, where criticism of the deal has been heard, have the legal right to request additional deliberations and even to block arms deals. House member Eliot Engel emphasized that Congress must be convinced that the changing of the status quo will not put Israel's qualitative military edge at risk. Senator Bob Menendez announced that he will not automatically vote in favor of approving the deal, and that it should be discussed without time limits.
Reuters reported that last week Israel dropped its opposition to the sale of the fighters to the UAE after it received American guarantees that its military superiority will be maintained.
