Israel has supplied the UAE with a laser system and other air defence equipment to protect against attacks from Iran
Israel has supplied the United Arab Emirates with a range of defence systems to protect against Iranian missiles and drones. These include the Spectro light surveillance system and the Iron Beam laser system.
According to two informed sources, the Spectro system can detect drones, including Shaheds, at a range of up to 20 kilometres. A version of the Iron Beam laser system, which destroys short-range missiles and drones, was also transferred.
These assets have supplemented the Iron Dome air defence system, which has also been deployed in the UAE alongside several dozen Israeli military personnel to operate it.
Sources note that other weapon systems have also been sent to the country, along with additional personnel.
Israel has also been providing the UAE with real-time intelligence regarding preparations for short-range missile launches in western Iran.
According to available data, Iran has fired over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones at the UAE. Most of them were intercepted thanks to the use of various air defence systems, including Israeli ones.
It is noted that some of the systems transferred were at the prototype stage or had not yet been integrated into Israeli radar systems.
The deployment of these systems was one of the first examples of large-scale defence cooperation between Israel and the UAE following the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
Israel had previously supplied the UAE with Barak and Spyder air defence systems.
Following the joint US-Israeli operation against Iran in February, further escalation led to the active use of missiles and drones in the region, placing an additional strain on air defence systems.
Consequently, the need for cheaper interception capabilities has grown. In particular, the UAE is considering the possibility of converting Sidewinder missiles into ground-based systems using laser guidance to intercept drones.
