Tel Aviv: The US $ 2.3 billion “Mystery Deal” that Israeli company Elbit Systems signed recently was with the UAE. Israeli sources confirmed the identity of the client.The identity of the customer was first disclosed by “Intelligence Online”.
According to these sources, the 8-year contract includes what is defined as a “Strategic Defence Solution”.The Israeli sources described the contract as including some of the most advanced command and control systems developed by Elbit Systems.
The contract includes different systems that by working together will “improve the United Arab Emirates capability to defend itself.”
According to the sources, the deal also includes the J-Music systems that protect aircraft against MANPADS.
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, the United Arab Emirates has acquired several Israeli defence systems, focusing on air defence, drone countermeasures, and aircraft protection. These purchases reflect growing military cooperation amid regional threats like Houthi attacks.
Some Barak MX air defence systems made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) were purchased by the UAE shortly after the Accords were signed and deployed to protect UAE sites from drones and missiles. Israel also agreed to sell the Rafael Spyder air defence systems to the UAE.
Negotiations continue for Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 UAVs, including technology transfer for local production.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
