Israel deployed its Iron Dome air defence system to the United Arab Emirates at the outset of its conflict with Iran, according to a report by Axios, citing Israeli and US officials.
The report says Israeli operators were also sent to run the system, in what is described as the first recorded deployment of Iron Dome beyond Israel and the United States.
Neither Israel nor the UAE has publicly denied the claims, which are attributed to officials from both countries.
According to Axios, the deployment followed direct coordination between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The package reportedly included an interception battery, missiles and operational support personnel.
Deepening security ties
The move reflects the rapid expansion of defence and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE since the 2020 Abraham Accords.
It comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran launching large-scale attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting Gulf countries, including the UAE.
Israeli sources cited in the report said the system successfully intercepted Iranian missiles. At the same time, Israel’s air force is reported to have carried out strikes inside Iran aimed at neutralising missile systems before launch.
The development underscores the evolving regional security architecture, as Gulf states increasingly integrate with Israeli defence capabilities in response to shared threats.
Source: CNA