(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly considering acquiring China’s fifth-generation J-20 “Mighty Dragon” fighter aircraft after the United States declined to sell its F-35 jets to the Gulf nation.
The J-20, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group Co Ltd under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, represents a significant advance in Chinese military aviation.
Relations between the UAE and China have been strengthening, encompassing not only trade but also expanding into the defense sector, with the UAE emerging as another Gulf country purchasing defense assets from Beijing.
Last week, senior UAE military officials visited Beijing to discuss various aspects of the burgeoning defense relationship.
Last year, the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) announced it had signed a contract with the UAE for the sale of 12 L-15 “Hongdu” advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, with an option for an additional 36 aircraft in the future.
The L-15 serves as an advanced lead-in fighter trainer, preparing pilots for more sophisticated and capable aircraft such as the J-20.
Regional defense analysts see the acquisition of the L-15 as significant, marking the first time the UAE, a close ally of the United States in the region, has purchased military equipment from China.
This move is seen unfavorably by Washington but became necessary for the UAE after their attempt to acquire the F-35 was blocked by the US, following pressure from Israel.
In 2020, under the administration of President Donald Trump, the US approved the sale of 50 F-35 jets to the UAE, valued at approximately $23.3 billion, as announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a Pentagon-affiliated agency.
The sale was intended to include an array of associated equipment, logistics, training, Full Mission Trainers, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The potential F-35 sale followed shortly after the UAE and Israel signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations.
Despite the diplomatic agreement with the UAE, Israel continued to urge Washington not to allow the F-35 sale, concerned that it would erode its qualitative military edge over regional forces.
To maintain its military superiority, Israel consistently seeks or develops high-tech defense assets and prevents Arab nations from acquiring similar technologies.
Tel Aviv has pressured Washington not to sell the F-35 to the UAE, fearing it might challenge the dominance of its air force.
Another reason cited for Washington’s reluctance to sell the F-35 to the UAE is the Gulf country’s refusal to sever its ties with the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei concerning 5G technology.
The US is concerned that the UAE’s use of Huawei-supplied 5G technology at communication stations, telecom towers at air bases, and various facilities might allow China to glean extensive intelligence on the operational capabilities of the F-35, according to Western analysts.
Senior Pentagon officials acknowledge that one of the primary risks of the UAE-Huawei cooperation is the potential for China to “spy” on how the F-35 operates. — DSA