Israel has expedited the transfer of advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the cutting-edge Iron Beam laser system, to bolster the monarchy’s defenses against Iranian missile and drone attacks.
According to sources familiar with the transfer and deployment, Israel has also provided the UAE with the Spectro surveillance system, capable of detecting Shahed-type drones from distances of up to 20 kilometers. The Iron Beam, which can neutralize short-range missiles and drones through laser technology, was first deployed by Israel in early 2026 to protect against projectiles launched by the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
These systems are intended to complement the Iron Dome air defense system, which Israel has also supplied to the UAE along with several dozen military personnel for its operation. In addition, a significant Israeli military contingent has been sent to the Emirates to support other weapon systems deployed there.
Israel has been sharing critical real-time intelligence regarding Iran’s preparations for missile launches. To keep pace with the ongoing conflict, Israeli military forces have deployed armaments that were still in prototype stages or not fully integrated into radar systems, with one source indicating that these were “pulled from reserve and transferred to the UAE.”
Since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East, Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones at the UAE. Most of these threats have been intercepted due to the deployment of various air defense systems, including those manufactured in Israel, within the Emirates.
Previously, Israel has sold the UAE its Barak and Spyder air defense systems. Estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicate that by the time the U.S. and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, American forces had utilized half of their interceptor missile stockpiles for the THAAD and Patriot systems.
Israel's rapid provision of advanced defense systems to the UAE, including the Iron Beam laser, underscores the growing military cooperation between the two nations in response to Iranian threats. This collaboration includes sharing intelligence and deploying personnel, reflecting heightened regional security concerns.