[jec41]

I think it would be what the ability to reverse engineer or outright steal the technology of the components.

Why would they have to steal anything they already own Boeing aircraft and Lockheed F16's. In addition they put up part of the investment for part of the F16's development. The UAE can well afford the investment for any technology they need. That company needs new investment, if you don't want them to have it let them go broke.

[endthematrix]

Military export hardware is sometimes not the latest generation used by the US.

There's a concern that China is doing exactly this. They buy products from the US, tear it apart and steal the engineering. And if memory serves, they are doing in in aerospace...

...BTW, I do understand the topic isn't on China.