China offers the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon to the United Arab Emirates as an alternative to the F-35 if the U.S. does not respond clearly.
The United Arab Emirates was close to acquiring the F-35 under the Trump administration. The former U.S. President had offered the F-35 to the UAE and the F-22 to Israel. Following the president, Joe Biden had other priorities and cut the deal. Even though the UAE was eager to get the aircraft, there were other concerns. It has even been reported the safety factor of the aircraft, which poses a risk of leaks to third parties, was a major concern. Due to the Gulf country’s close ties to China, the U.S. has not responded too enthusiastically to the UAE’s desire to acquire F-35s. The UAE recently purchased 12 L-15 supersonic light fighters from China.
According to sources, China may give the J-20 to the UAE after a recent high-level meeting on April 23 between Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Majren Al Ameri, Head of Joint Operations for the UAE, and Lt. Gen. Chang Dingqiu, Head of the PLAAF at the Chinese Ministry of Defence.
China Offers the J-20 Fighter as an Alternative to F-35
