A US ally is forging ties with China’s air force but probably won’t get its J-20 stealth fighter [Video]

The United Arab Emirates is expanding air force ties with China in what may be a scheme to brighten their dim prospects of acquiring F-35 Lightning II stealth jets from the United States. However, this developing cooperation will not likely result in Abu Dhabi ordering alternative fifth-generation fighters from Beijing.

Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, commander of the UAE’s Joint Operations, met with the commander of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force on April 23 to promote closer air force cooperation.

The meeting occurred as the UAE’s prospects for acquiring F-35s “may be getting slimmer,” according to one analysis. Another even speculated Abu Dhabi may eventually seek China’s premier stealth fighter: the fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon.

The US approved a $19 billion deal to sell 50 F-35s and 18 MQ-4B drones to the UAE in January 2021. However, the deal hasn’t materialized amid Washington’s growing concern about China’s central role in Emirati …