Opinion: Learning the lessons of Gulf defence procurement
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced at the Dubai Air Show that it is keen to acquire the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
This is the latest hint from the UAE as to where it sees its future fighter aircraft programme going, coming on the back of years of intense competition from Eurofighter, Rafale and the F-16 to act as their next generation fighter aircraft.
Most recently in early 2017 the UAE announced its intent to partner with Russia on the development of a fifth-generation fighter.
The announcement of an interest in the F-35 is not unexpected, and reflects the constant
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