Israel has deployed the Iron Dome system and military personnel to the UAE
Israel transferred the Iron Dome air defence system to the United Arab Emirates, along with military personnel to operate it, at the start of the war with Iran. This was reported by two Israeli officials and one US representative.
This decision was unprecedented, as Israel had not previously deployed the Iron Dome system in other countries. The UAE became the first country outside the US and Israel to use this system.
Since the start of the war, the United Arab Emirates has suffered the highest number of attacks from Iran among countries in the region. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iran has launched around 550 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as over 2,200 drones.
Most of them were intercepted, but some reached military and civilian targets.
Following the massive attacks, the UAE sought assistance from its allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a conversation with the UAE President, ordered the deployment of an Iron Dome battery with interceptors and several dozen military personnel to the country.
According to Israeli officials, the system intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles.
Since the start of the war, Israel and the UAE have been closely coordinating their actions in the military and political spheres. The Israeli Air Force has also carried out strikes on short-range missile positions in southern Iran to prevent attacks on Gulf states.
The deployment of Israeli troops on UAE territory could be politically sensitive in the region. At the same time, the decision to transfer the air defence system whilst Israel itself is under attack may also spark debate within the country.
Israel and the UAE signed a peace agreement in 2020. Despite differences on certain issues, both sides note that the level of cooperation is currently at its highest.
Former UAE National Security Council representative Tareq al-Otaiba noted that Israel was among the countries that provided tangible assistance to the Emirates.
“Above all, the United States and Israel have proven themselves to be true allies, providing support through military aid, intelligence sharing and diplomatic backing,” he wrote.
The senior UAE official also stated that the country would not forget the assistance received from Israel at a critical moment.
