UAE and China discuss improved military cooperation

Amid the thawing of diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, the United Arab Emirates received approval from the Trump administration to purchase 50 F-35A fighter-bombers from Lockheed Martin. However, this proposed sale was quickly shelved as one of the first actions of US diplomacy after the start of Joe Biden’s presidential term.

This decision was motivated by two central considerations. First, transferring the F-35A to the UAE Air Force could undermine the situation ‘Qualitative military edge’ (QME) – the United States’ steadfast commitment to maintaining Israel’s military superiority in the region. In addition, the closer ties between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, highlighted by the involvement of Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei, in the Emirates’ 5G network, could increase the risk of espionage.

Nevertheless, in order to modernize its combat air fleet, the United Arab Emirates proceeded to purchase 80 state-of-the-art F4 standard Rafales in December 2021. Nevertheless, they did not categorically rule out the purchase of the fifth generation F-35A. fighter planes. However, due to the standoff with Washington, Abu Dhabi decided to end the negotiations. An Emirati official told Reuters: “Hard technical requirements, limitations (imposed by the US) on operational sovereignty and a cost-benefit analysis made this reevaluation necessary.”

Opportunity for China

Russia had high hopes for the commercialization of its Su-75 “Checkmate” multi-role jet to the United Arab Emirates, which were considered potential buyers. Other potential buyers include Argentina, India and Vietnam. The device was unveiled in 2021. However, it seems Abu Dhabi has other plans.

Recently, the UAE has turned to China to upgrade and strengthen its armed forces. Following the purchase of the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) Wing Loong I and Wing Loong II drones, the UAE received 12 Hongdu L-15 “Falcon” training aircraft. These aircraft were purchased from China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), with an option to acquire 36 more units.

However, it is not just about increasing their military capabilities. The operational aspect is also being considered, as evidenced by the participation of the UAE Air Force in the Falcon Shield 2023 exercises. These exercises were orchestrated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Xinjiang province in August. The details of these exercises are sparse, but there is a plausible possibility that F-16 Block 60s and/or Mirage 2000-9s were involved.

The meeting of the generals

It appears that the United Arab Emirates and China are keen to strengthen their military ties. The Head of Joint Operations of the UAE Armed Forces, General Saleh Mohammed bin Majren Al Ameri, recently met with the Air Component Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), General Chang Dingyu, at the Chinese Ministry Headquarters of Defense.

This meeting focused on mutual military cooperation between the two nations. They discussed strategies to nurture and develop this relationship. “Several senior officers and officials from the defense ministries of both countries were present,” the UAE General Staff noted on April 23 via X (formerly Twitter).

An intriguing photo from the meeting shows the two military leaders engaged in a discussion, standing in front of a painting depicting two Chengdu J-20 5th Generation “Mighty Dragon” fighter jets, the crown jewels of the Chinese air force. In addition to the symbolic meaning, this could indicate the potential of the emirate’s order for these advanced aircraft, as evidenced by their body language.

China promised an export version

It is doubtful that the UAE would show interest in the Chengdu J-20, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Beijing’s willingness to export this technology. Instead, like Pakistan, they could find the allure in the FC-31 “Gyrfalcon,” a product of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

Li Yuhai, the former deputy general manager of AVIC Group – the parent organization of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation – stated in 2014: “Our original goal with the FC-31 was to challenge certain countries’ fifth-generation fighter monopoly. We are designing a unique version especially for export.”

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