ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates is bolstering its air force relations with China amid fading hopes of acquiring F-35 Lightning II stealth jets from the United States, although it is unlikely to switch to Chinese fighters. UAE officials, including Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, have recently engaged with China's military leadership, potentially seeking alternatives like China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon due to difficulties with the F-35 deal involving concerns over Chinese influence in UAE’s infrastructure.

The U.S. had agreed in 2021 to a $19 billion sale of F-35s and drones to the UAE, but the deal has stalled due to issues related to UAE's technological ties with China. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to buy Western hardware, including 80 Rafales from France and holding joint military exercises with China.

Experts believe that while the UAE’s interactions with China are growing, they don’t represent a shift away from Western technology. The acquisition of Chinese trainer jets and joint exercises are seen as strategic moves to pressure the U.S., rather than a sign of a deeper military alliance. The UAE’s approach is considered a balancing act, aiming to leverage its relationships to secure necessary military capabilities amidst regional instability.

Analysts remain skeptical about the UAE significantly shifting to Chinese military technology, citing logistical challenges and strategic preferences for Western systems. The potential for a U.S.-Saudi defense pact could influence the UAE's prospects with the U.S., including the F-35 deal.

Source: Business Insider
Associated URL: https://www.businessinsider.com/uae-forges-china-ties-but-wont-get-j20-stealth-fighter-2024-5

TENGAH AIR BASE - A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed shortly after taking off from Tengah Air Base on Wednesday. The pilot safely ejected and did not suffer major injuries. The cause of the crash was not immediately known, aside from the pilot saying he experienced "an issue" during takeoff.

The RSAF has temporarily suspended F-16 training operations until it can investigate the cause of the crash.

A RSAF F-16 last crashed in 2004, when an F-16C went down during a training mission in Arizona, killing the pilot.

Singapore recently upgraded its F-16 fleet to operate into the mid-2030s.

Source: South China Morning Post
Associated URL: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3261891/singapore-air-force-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-tengah-air-base-after-issue-following-take-pilot

KUALA LUMPUR - Reporting from a defense show in Malaysia indicates a Turkish official has offered the country a partnership in Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter project, Kaan.

Turkish Aerospace (TAI), the builder of Kaan, operates an office in Malaysia that employs 120 local engineers. Turkish Deputy Defence Minister Celal Sami Tufekci told reporters that Malaysia’s participation in the future fighter program would help "shape the industry " and "boost Malaysia’s defence sector."

The news comes only days after a Kaan prototype completed its second flight. TAI plans to deliver 20 Kaan aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by 2028.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/turkey-offers-malaysia-participation-in-kaan-fighter-programme/158228.article
Author: Flight Global