Saudi-UAE partner with France-Israel for defence cooperation instead of

Riyadh: A few weeks ago, US President Joe Biden announced the provision of advanced defence equipment to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Biden assured that the United would stand by its Middle East allies. But it seems that Saudi and UAE have no faith in the US President. Both Middle East countries have begun buying from other countries for their navies and air forces, underscoring the threat posed by Iran. Saudi Arabia is buying destroyers from France and the UAE is buying SPYDER air defence systems from Israel.

Moreover, Iran’s military moves have captured the world’s attention in the past few weeks. On September 1, the Iranian Navy captured two US Navy unmanned drone ships in the Red Sea. Within a week, Iran had taken such action against US ships twice. On September 4, Iran signalled the purchase of advanced Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that the patrol boats were equipped with vertical launch missiles in the next few hours.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Arab countries have accused Iran’s military activities from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea of posing a threat to their trade interests. US President Joe Biden, who visited the Middle East a month ago, announced to provide security cooperation to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But it is claimed that the Biden administration, which withdrew the Patriot air defence system as soon as it took over the power of the US, lost the trust of the Middle Eastern nations long ago.

Therefore, no matter how much the US has reassured, in the face of the growing threat of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are giving more importance to increasing cooperation with other countries to meet their security needs. Analysts say that these countries are increasing the capabilities of their Navy and air force capabilities. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the biggest arms buyers from the US. Saudi Arabia has a fleet of US-made F-15 fighter jets, while the UAE has a fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

But soon, UAE is buying 80 Rafale jets and Gowind class destroyers from France. International analysts also note that the UAE has purchased the SPYDER air defence system from Israel. Analysts claim the UAE has stepped up its cooperation with Israel after the US Patriot air defence system proved ineffective in stopping Houthi rebels’ missile and drone attacks in Yemen. Like the UAE, there are reports that Saudi Arabia will buy destroyers from France.