UAE Eyes Chinese J-20 Fighter Jet After F-35 Deal Falls Through

Intensifying ties with China and a strained relationship with the US over fighter jet sales could reshape the military landscape in the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly considering acquiring China's J-20 stealth fighter jet, a move that could significantly impact regional security dynamics. This comes after the US denied the UAE access to the F-35 Lightning II, a powerful fifth-generation fighter.

A Shifting Alliance?​

The UAE's interest in the J-20 follows a high-profile meeting between UAE and Chinese military officials in Beijing. The discussions focused on strengthening military cooperation, with photos hinting at the J-20 being a potential topic.

This is a significant development considering the UAE's traditionally close ties with the US. Analysts point to the failed F-35 deal as a strain on this relationship, potentially pushing the UAE towards China to fulfill its defense needs.

J-20 vs. F-35: A Tale of Two Titans​

Both the J-20 and F-35 are top-of-the-line fighter jets boasting impressive capabilities. The J-20 edges out the F-35 in range and weapon capacity, allowing it to strike farther and carry a heavier payload. It also boasts lower operating costs.

However, the F-35 fights back with superior avionics, sensor technology, and the ability to take off and land vertically.

The US and UAE: Economic Partners, Security Strained​

The UAE remains the US's biggest export market in the Middle East. However, security ties seem to be fraying.

The UAE's construction of a secret Chinese military facility at a port despite US pressure highlights this growing distance.

China, on the other hand, is the UAE's largest non-oil trading partner, offering an attractive economic and potentially military alternative.

The Road Ahead​

The potential sale of J-20s to the UAE could disrupt the US's dominance in the global fighter jet market. It could also challenge Israel's long-held regional military superiority.

Whether the UAE chooses the J-20 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the landscape of military power in the Middle East is shifting, and China is emerging as a major player.

 

[Kira]

As long as UAE and the Gulf in general remains in the US orbit,I don't think that this will happen,but if the UAE can't feasibly obtain the F-35 in the near future,then I do feel that the Arabs may finally jump ship and try to purchase some advanced Chinese military hardware like the J-20 etc.

 

[amerjit johal]

As long as UAE and the Gulf in general remains in the US orbit,I don't think that this will happen,but if the UAE can't feasibly obtain the F-35 in the near future,then I do feel that the Arabs may finally jump ship and try to purchase some advanced Chinese military hardware like the J-20 etc.

US will not supply UAE with F35 - unless Israel agrees.
Maybe they can still persuade Korean's to join KF-21 programme OR maybe join AMCA [if they can wait 20 years]

 

[CCPSmasher]

And we are busy on the whiteboard adding impossible features each day