The USA Is Considering F-35 Stealth Fighter Sales to the UAE

IN APPRECIATION OF ITS EFFORT DURING THE IRAN WAR

Jafaj.net | July 1, 2026

Donald Trump state visit to the United Arab Emirates, 2025-05-15. Photo by The White House – Flickr, Public Domain, Wikipedia

1- JaFaJ has learned that the Trump administration is considering approving and strongly pushing the sale of 20 F-35 stealth fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates in appreciation of the Gulf country’s commitment and contribution during the war with Iran.

2- A U.S. source close to the proposed deal informed JaFaJ, on the condition of anonymity, that the Trump administration has seen enough evidence that the United Arab Emirates is an ally that can be depended on during difficult times, not only in good times. The source added that this is not the first time the UAE has received very advanced fighter aircraft. The UAE was the first customer in the world to receive the F-16 Block 60/62 variant, which was the most advanced F-16 in the world at the time, around 2009. The source noted that the country’s wisdom means these advanced jets will be in good hands.

3- The sale is being discussed in appreciation of the UAE’s efforts during the war with Iran. During that conflict, the Emirates used its F-16 Fighting Falcons to strike military sites inside Tehran itself, flying alongside U.S. fighters in several joint operations.

4- President Trump himself referred to the UAE’s war effort before the media, confirming that the UAE took part in the retaliatory bombing campaign against Iran.

5- Reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates received more Iranian missile and drone attacks during the conflict than any other country, including Israel.

6- The United States first agreed in principle to sell the F-35 to the UAE after the historic Abraham Accords during President Trump’s first administration. Despite that initial approval, the deal did not go through.

7- JaFaJ has learned the current administration is now eager and convinced it can secure legislative approval for the sale to the UAE. If approved, that process should conclude no later than February of next year.

8- Delivery of the first UAE F-35s is still expected to take considerably longer because of production and integration timelines.

9- An Israeli military source told JaFaJ that Israel supports the deal because it would only make the UAE stronger in confronting Iran. The source said: “If the Americans are okay with it, we will have no objections. The UAE is a very significant and moderate nation, and a stronger UAE will be better for everyone in the region.”

10- JaFaJ sources state that the initial deal is for the sale of 20 F-35s, with an option for another 20. The sources added that the UAE will receive aircraft advanced enough to meet its operational needs in confronting regional threats.

– A Washington source described the upcoming sale as a clear sign that the UAE is not just another partner, but a key strategic ally for the United States in the Middle East. Adam said, “This shows the level of trust we have in the UAE. It’s someone we can rely on, and this is only the beginning. There will be additional military upgrades, including advanced missile and air defense systems such as THAAD.”