DUBAI: The US is in talks to sell F-35 fighter jets to partner nations, a senior US military official said on Friday during a visit to the UAE, without giving details.
US Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Stephen Wilson was responding to a reporter’s question about the possibility of selling advanced jets to the UAE. “Specifically with the F-35s, we look at all of our partners and nations and allies and their requirements and here in the Gulf they share many of the same adversaries and challenges,” Wilson said.
“So we look to provide capabilities. So the discussion is ongoing now with the new administration on selling F-35s to partner nations that need them, that require them.”
He added, “They’ve started the process. Now with that, you need discussion bilaterally between nations ... so further things on that will have to come from the UAE.”
The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp, with companies including Northrop Grumman Corp, United Technologies Corp’s Pratt & Whitney and BAE Systems Plc also involved.
US Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Stephen Wilson was responding to a reporter’s question about the possibility of selling advanced jets to the UAE. “Specifically with the F-35s, we look at all of our partners and nations and allies and their requirements and here in the Gulf they share many of the same adversaries and challenges,” Wilson said.
“So we look to provide capabilities. So the discussion is ongoing now with the new administration on selling F-35s to partner nations that need them, that require them.”
He added, “They’ve started the process. Now with that, you need discussion bilaterally between nations ... so further things on that will have to come from the UAE.”
The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp, with companies including Northrop Grumman Corp, United Technologies Corp’s Pratt & Whitney and BAE Systems Plc also involved.
