UAE Establishes Relationship with China’s Air Force, Unlikely to Acquire J-20 Stealth Fighter

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making headlines as it expands its air force ties with China, potentially as a strategic move to pressure the United States into selling them F-35 Lightning II stealth jets. However, experts believe that this cooperation is unlikely to result in the UAE purchasing Chinese fifth-generation fighters.

The UAE’s interest in Chinese air force cooperation comes at a time when their chances of acquiring F-35s from the US are diminishing. A $19 billion deal for 50 F-35s and 18 MQ-4B drones approved in 2021 has yet to materialize, with concerns over China’s involvement in Emirati infrastructure and suspicions of a potential military base in the region.

In response, the UAE has diversified its military procurement, ordering 80 Rafale multirole fighters from France and participating in joint air force training exercises with China. While these moves have raised eyebrows in Washington, experts believe that the UAE’s primary goal remains acquiring F-35s over Chinese alternatives.

Analysts suggest that the UAE’s approach to China is part of a broader strategy to balance relations between Washington and Beijing. By engaging with China, the UAE may be signaling to the US that it has alternative options if F-35 sales do not materialize.

Despite the growing ties between the UAE and China, experts believe that the relationship remains superficial and symbolic. The UAE’s existing fleet of Western fighter jets, such as the F-16 and Rafale, make it unlikely that they will fully transition to Chinese aircraft.

While the UAE’s interest in Chinese military hardware remains uncertain, experts point out that China’s export of stealth fighters like the J-20 is unlikely. Instead, the UAE may explore options like South Korea’s KF-21 or Turkey’s TF Kaan fighter projects as less geopolitically fraught alternatives.

Overall, while the UAE’s engagement with China may raise concerns in Washington, experts remain skeptical that the UAE will fully commit to Chinese military hardware over Western alternatives. The evolving dynamics between the UAE, the US, and China in the realm of military procurement will continue to be closely watched in the coming months.