Tel Aviv: After the success of the Israeli Iron Dome air defence systems deployed in the UAE during the recent war when Iran targeted different facilities in the kingdom, discussions about the purchase of additional Israeli systems are underway.
The UAE is already a major client of Israeli systems. Israel agreed to sell Rafael-made Spyder air defence systems following earlier regional drone threats. Foreign sources report that the UAE previously purchased Israel’s Barak MX air defence systems.
Israel deployed Iron Dome and drone-detection tech to the UAE during recent regional escalations with Iran. Contractors like Elbit Systems have pursued multi-billion-dollar agreements involving surveillance drones and un-armed unmanned systems.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have quietly built a deep military partnership, highlighted by Israel deploying advanced missile defences and troops directly to Emirati soil during regional conflicts with Iran.
During heavy aerial attacks from Iran, Israel sent its Iron Dome defence system, the new laser-based Iron Beam interceptor, and Spectro tracking tools to the UAE. According to foreign sources, Israeli military personnel travelled to the UAE to help operate these defence systems, marking a rare deployment of Israeli troops inside an Arab nation.
This urgent wartime security help happened through direct talks between leaders in Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, rather than waiting for formal American mediation.
Leaked documents show that the UAE has bought billions of dollars in military gear from Israeli defence firms like Elbit Systems. Purchases include Hermes 900 drones, special aircraft protection systems, and signals intelligence gear to spot incoming threats early.
Both countries are working together to build a strong technological wall against future drone and missile strikes. The partnership is built around practical defence needs and stopping a shared enemy (Iran) rather than a complete political alliance.
The UAE has sometimes denied unannounced high-level visits or secret non-transparent arrangements to maintain its regional balance, even as real military cooperation continues behind the scenes.
-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
