Tel Aviv: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively testing Israeli air defence systems after being attacked by Iranian missiles and armed drones. Sources said that in recent weeks, Israel’s laser-based air defence system has been seen in the UAE in what is described as an operational test.
On May 5, an Israeli Iron Dome air defence system operated by IDF personnel in the UAE intercepted Iranian missiles.
Israeli sources said that the Iron Dome was deployed in the UAE last year after this country requested Israeli help in protecting itself from Iranian missiles ad armed drones.
Different reports point to the fact that Israel has deployed in the UAE “different sensors” that helped it to better protect itself from the repeated Iranian attacks.
The Iron Dome is an advanced, mobile air defence system developed by Israeli company Rafael and is capable of intercepting short-range rockets, missiles, and drones. Operational since 2011, it uses radar to identify threats and fires Tamir interceptors only if the threat aims for populated areas, boasting a high success rate.
The system differentiates between threats destined for built-up areas and those falling in open, unpopulated spaces, which limits unnecessary interceptor launches.
A typical battery includes a radar, a command and control centre, and launchers with Tamir interceptors.
It has intercepted thousands of rockets fired from Gaza and Lebanon, significantly reducing civilian casualties and changing the nature of conflicts.
While designed for short-range threats (4 to 70 km), it has shown capabilities against a wider variety of threats.
The new report points to a test of the Israeli Iron Beam laser air defence system developed by Rafael.
According to the sources, Israel rushed prototypes of Iron Beam and the Spectro surveillance system to the UAE amid Iran’s barrage of over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones targeting the Gulf state. These systems, including Israeli personnel for operation, helped intercept most threats, marking their first major operational use beyond Israel.
Iron Beam, operational in Israel since late 2025, vaporises small projectiles cost-effectively without ammunition limits, complementing Iron Dome batteries also sent to the UAE. Spectro detects Shahed drones up to 20 km away, enhancing targeting for laser intercepts.
This deployment deepens Israel-UAE defence ties under the Abraham Accords, providing real-world validation for Iron Beam against live threats from Iran.
Raksha Anirveda could not get any official comment on the Iron Beam deployment in the UAE.
-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
