The UAE is in no immediate hurry to acquire a new fighter, although it is anxious to fully contribute to the security of the Gulf countries, according to Major General (ret.) Khaled Abdullah Al Bu-Ainnain, former commander of the UAE Air Force. Khaled told AIN here yesterday that, “it takes years to negotiate a new fighter contract.” His comments will dampen expectations of a near-term order or MoU for the Eurofighter Typhoon that have been raised by the British diplomatic and industrial offensive here this week.
Following the flying visit by UK Prime Minister David Cameron last Saturday, defense secretary Philip Hammond and defense procurement minister Philip Dunne both visited the Dubai Air Show to bolster the Typhoon sales effort and underline the UK’s commitment to boosting defense and industrial ties both here and in the wider Gulf region. Dunne told journalists here yesterday that the UK was, “pleased to be invited to participate in the UAE competition.” But he also noted that, “any fast jet purchase is a lengthy process.”
