As news of the success of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet, spread triumphantly around the world, one important piece of information went largely unnoticed.
One of the major Persian Gulf countries, which had been negotiating with the United States for years to acquire the aircraft, unexpectedly halted all negotiations and formally withdrew from the agreement.
The country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), cited “the excessive politicization of the terms and the imposition of unacceptable requirements on aircraft whose effectiveness has not yet been proven in real combat situations.”
Until recently, Emirates has been committed to acquiring the F-35, believing that it would greatly enhance its air power and give it an advantage in the conflict with Yemen.
The deal, which would include the purchase of 50 jets and 19 surveillance drones for a total of $23 billion, was approved by the U.S. Congress in January 2020.
Despite opposition from the Israeli lobby, the sale was deemed to be of strategic importance as it was the first time fighter jets were being provided to a country in the region other than Israel. Each aircraft costs $205 million, plus the additional cost of the drone.
However, this process involved many delays and new conditions from the American side. The issue was complicated by demands that the UAE considered to be interference in its internal affairs.
For example, these conditions included requirements for legal reforms related to women’s rights and sexual minorities. This created tensions and the UAE’s enthusiasm gradually waned.
By the end of 2021, Emirates had already announced the postponement of the agreement, which prompted the American side to start negotiations with other potential customers.
Despite efforts to restore the contract, in September 2024, the UAE emphasized the importance of sovereignty and made it clear that it would not return to negotiations.
As a result of this bankruptcy, F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin is now exploring other markets for the jet already in production. Morocco has been mentioned as the next potential customer.
At the same time, the United States has threatened the UAE regarding reviewing the terms of other bilateral agreements, further complicating relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Western analysts have suggested that the UAE could turn to other suppliers, such as China. The country has already expressed interest in China’s J-20 fighter jets, and military ties between the UAE and China have increased recently.
In April 2024, UAE Joint Operations Officer Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mujren Al Ameri met with Lieutenant General Zhang Dingyu at the Chinese Ministry of Defense and signaled deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
Now, with the UAE’s growing interest in the J-20 and the fact that the country already has a fleet of Chinese-made Falcon L-15 trainer aircraft, a new military partnership seems increasingly likely.
This could change the dynamics of the region and pose new challenges to U.S. foreign policy and military strategy in the Persian Gulf.
Still, anyone who has served in the military knows that any officer’s orders are penultimate. So let’s take a look at what the UAE is giving up and what it might gain if Washington doesn’t change its political marketing, especially towards the Emirates.
The F-35 Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter designed to perform multiple roles including air combat, precision strike, and reconnaissance.
It has advanced stealth technology that allows it to evade radar detection, a key advantage in modern combat operations.
Additionally, the F-35 is equipped with powerful sensors and electronics that provide an intelligence advantage, allowing pilots to identify and neutralize threats before they are detected.
Meanwhile, the J-20, produced by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, is a fifth-generation fighter jet developed with emphasis on stealth and long-range capabilities. The J-20 relies on a large radar section and can carry more weapons, giving it greater firepower.
Although the J-20 is larger and less maneuverable than the F-35, its stealth technology meets modern requirements, although some experts believe it is less effective than the F-35.
One important aspect of the comparison is the integration of battlefield management systems. The F-35 is designed with an open architecture that allows it to easily connect with other combat systems and allied forces to create a network of compatible units.
This allows great flexibility in joint operations with different countries. Although the J-20 has similar capabilities, it is seen as more limited in this regard, especially in joint operations with allies outside China’s sphere of influence.
From a cost and maintenance perspective, the F-35 is known for its high production and operating costs, making investment a major challenge for countries that acquire the F-35.
Although the J-20 is also more expensive, it is produced at a lower cost, making it more accessible to countries seeking stealth technology without the heavy financial burden associated with the F-35.
On the battlefield, the F-35 is designed for missions where technological superiority is important, and its stealth and electronic warfare capabilities give it an advantage in asymmetric conflicts.
The J-20 was developed with an emphasis on air superiority, and is intended to secure strategic air superiority, especially in disputed areas near China.
In conclusion, the F-35 and J-20 offer different advantages based on their specific design and the tactical needs of the country in which they are used.
The F-35 is preferred in environments where interoperability and technological superiority are important, while the J-20 focuses on more accessible production to ensure strategic air superiority and regional influence. I am.
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