U.S., UAE Plan to Wrap Up Major Arms Deal

U.S., UAE Plan to Wrap Up Major Arms Deal

Hagel arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday on the last leg of a six-nation tour of the Middle East in which he has sought to renew ties with American allies who share Washington's concerns over Iran's nuclear project and Syria's civil war.

Before his departure, the Pentagon announced plans for an elaborate weapons sale to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including more than two dozen F-16 fighter jets to the UAE at a value of nearly $5 billion.

The preliminary arms deal “really cements a long term and enduring partnership with the Emirates,” a senior defence official told reporters traveling with Hagel.

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