The U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the export of 33 million dollars in defense articles, including technical data and defense services, to Tunisia. The published article mentioned that the defense articles would support the manufacture, integration, installation, operation, training, testing, maintenance, and repair of F-135 propulsion system. Source.
Quite weird right? Tunisia is apparently buying 1 F-135 engine.
www.thedrive.com
Why "the surprise of the century" ? Perhaps Tunisia is rewarded because it is the only democracy in the Arab world, while Egypt technically remains a dictatorship run by a soldier named Sisi.f-35 maintenance or buying ? if tunsia did it that will be a surprise of the century but i heard the the f35 production now on hold
It’s Official: Pentagon Puts F-35 Full-Rate Production Decision On Hold
With critical test and evaluation work still unfinished, the full-rate production decision will be left to the future Biden administration.
Why is everyone so "shocked" that Tunisia would acquire an F35, while it would be okay if it were the UAE or Qatar ? Apart from money, the Tunisian citizen and military are much more intellectually sophisticated and knowledgeable than most of the MENA population. I would except a Tunisian pilot to easily tackle an F35 jet fighter, while it is expected from the UAE and Qatar to hire Australian and French pilots to fly such plane.
well it's shocking because as you said the money and that the US actually approved + that there's a will in the Tunisian army to do so
The US give respect to Tunisia's history and civilization (Carthage and Hannibal) that they study in
the thing is you have to be a very close ally to the US to be able to have such privileges but we even did not allow them to make a base in the country... its true we're none nato major allies but other country had to make deals and such... we're still waiting for this acquisition to materialize and after the recent events it may be delayed (political and economic situation)
Having access to F35's is not a priority for any country in that region, really. A more pressing problem is Libya's stability which is key for Tunisia and the region. Gulf states (UAE, KSA and others) are doing everything to dismember Libya, which will have huge negative effects on Tunisia and other neighbors. On the other hand, Turkey is helping Libya come back toward stability. North African countries should then unite with Turkey toward this goal.
Isn't that Congress approval just for Tunisia as F-35 maintenance hub? Even though like that, that is good for Tunisian economy to get such investment, not only increase GDP and create jobs, but also could be the gateway for Tunisian get F-35 and get exposure with such technologies that hopefully would increases more high tech investments.
actually the congress approved just for the sale of 2 F-35 engines so we're speculating why would Tunisia want that and why would the US approve it.
Why just the engine LOL. Maybe to support that maintenance hub program.
