Israel deployed an Iron Dome missile defense system and several Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during its recent conflict with Iran, known as Operation Roaring Lion. This decision followed a phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. This marks the first operational use of the Iron Dome outside of Israel and the United States, although countries like Singapore and Romania have engaged in purchasing the system. Military cooperation between Israel and the UAE has intensified since the signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020, particularly during the Iran conflict, where Iran launched over 2,800 missiles and drones against the UAE. Despite the Iron Dome intercepting the majority of these attacks, some missiles successfully struck both military and civilian targets.
Why It Matters
The deployment of the Iron Dome to the UAE underscores the deepening military ties between Israel and Gulf states, particularly in response to regional threats from Iran. Following the Abraham Accords, Israel has enhanced its security partnerships in the region, which have become critical given Iran’s aggressive missile capabilities. The conflict highlighted the importance of advanced missile defense systems in safeguarding nations facing drone and missile attacks, as demonstrated by the over 2,250 drones and 560 missile strikes launched by Iran during the war. This cooperation reflects a significant shift in regional security dynamics, where shared threats are prompting closer military collaboration among former adversaries.
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