US discussing F-35 for UAE, Gulf allies

According to sources at Washington DC, the US government is in the early stages of discussions about selling the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the UAE and other allies in the Persian Gulf. The Israeli Air Force is currently the exclusive operator of Lockheed Martin’s stealth fighter in the Middle East region, but the UAE has reportedly asked for a classified briefing on the programme. Reportedly, US President Donald Trump could offer the aircraft to the UAE and other Gulf nations, in a change from the previous administration. “Specifically the F-35, as we look at their requirements here in the Gulf, they share many of the same adversaries and challenges,” said US Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen Stephen Wilson at a press conference in Dubai. “So we’d look to provide capabilities. The discussion is ongoing now with the new administration on selling F-35s to partner nations that need them and require them.”