The UAE has suspended the transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9 fighters to Morocco and left the aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base. The decision was made pending the maintenance of combat readiness and the deployment of new aircraft.
The parties concluded the deal in 2021, with deliveries planned to be completed by 2027. Now the deadlines have shifted, as the UAE's own rearmament program has been delayed.
Interestingly, both countries are interested in advanced Russian fighters, media reported. The UAE considered the prospects of the Su-57.
Morocco paid attention to the Su-35 amid the strengthening of Algeria, which is already actively testing the Su-57.
It should be noted that the UAE traditionally purchases air defense systems from Russia – Pantsir-S1 short-range complexes.
At the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally inspected the Su-57 and even looked into the cockpit from a special viewing platform.