The
United States is going to proceed with the sale of more than $23 billion worth
of weapons to the United Arab Emirates. According to media reports, US
President Joe Biden's administration has told Congress it would move forward
with the weapon sales to the UAE while continuing to review the details and
discuss with Emirati representatives about the use of the weapons.
In
November 2020, the Trump administration told Congress it had approved the sale
of weapons to the UAE as part of the US-brokered 'Abraham Accord' that was
signed between the UAE and Israel in September with the aim of normalisation of
ties in the region.
However,
President Joe Biden had halted the US arms sales in January 2021, stating that
his administration would conduct a thorough review of the billions of dollars
worth of arms deal approved by former US President Trump before leaving office.
The
$23.37 billion-worth package consisted of F-35 aircraft, armed drones, 50 F-35
Lightning II aircraft, 18 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Systems, and a number of
air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
In
December 2020, an effort to break off the weapons deals fell short in the US
Senate after Trump's fellow Republicans extended support to his plans.
Subsequently, US sales of advanced F-35 fighter jets and other advanced defense
systems to the UAE passed Congressional review.
Later
on January 20, the Trump administration finalised the weapons sales to the UAE,
minutes before Joe Biden's inauguration. In the final days of his presidency,
Trump signed a letter of agreement (LOA) with the Emirati government to
solidify the terms of the deal. However, as the Biden administration announced
a review of the massive arms sales in late January, the UAE welcomed it as an
effort to renew regional dialogue.
According
to a State Department spokesperson, if implemented, the estimated delivery
dates of the weapons to the UAE would be after 2025 or later.
“We
will also continue to reinforce with the UAE and all recipients of US defense
articles and services that US-origin defense equipment must be adequately
secured and used in a manner that respects human rights and fully complies with
the laws of armed conflict,” a State Department spokesperson said, speaking to
Reuters.
Meanwhile,
the result of the review is yet to be released to the public by the US
Statement Department.
The
US arms sales would enhance the UAE's military counterweight by strengthening
its deterrence against mutual adversaries. After years of operational
experience and coordinated investment, the UAE armed forces have emerged as one
of the leading militaries in the region. It has become one of the closest
military allies for the US in the Middle East in recent years. The US arms
sales would boost UAE's efforts to ensure collective security in the region.
Comments
Post a Comment