Israel has supplied the United Arab Emirates with an advanced laser-based air defense system, known as Iron Beam, as tensions rise amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The system, designed to vaporize short-range missiles and drones, represents a major step in defense cooperation between the two countries and signals a deepening strategic partnership in West Asia.According to a report by the Financial Times, Israel has deployed a version of its Iron Beam system to help the UAE counter Iranian missile and drone attacks. Israel has previously used the laser system against Hezbollah projectiles from Lebanon and is capable of intercepting threats at a short distance with high accuracy.
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Israel has also sent an advanced surveillance system, Spectro, that can detect incoming drones from up to 20 kilometers away.
Reports indicate that many of the systems deployed are still in the prototype stages and have not been fully integrated into Israel’s defense network, underscoring the urgency of the situation.A regional official described the move as a demonstration of “the value of being friends with Israel.” Another source familiar with the deployment said Israel took the systems “off the bench and gave them to the Emiratis,” while a third person said: “We let them put them in our underwear.”
The UAE reportedly faced a barrage of more than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones from Iran. In response, multi-layered air defense systems, including Israeli equipment, were activated and successfully intercepted the majority of incoming threats. Israeli personnel were also deployed to assist in operations on the ground.
The United States concludes arms deals worth $8.6 billion to its allies
Amid growing regional instability, the United States has approved military sales worth more than $8.6 billion to key allies including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, according to Al Jazeera.
The deals include the sale of a $4 billion Patriot missile system to Qatar and nearly $1 billion in precision-guided weapons to Israel.The US State Department said that the agreements aim to enhance the defense capabilities of allies and support broader regional security goals. Congress retains the authority to review proposed sales.US President Donald Trump has defended the military campaign against Iran, rejecting criticism of its effectiveness.
“We’re making the radical left say: ‘We’re not winning, we’re not winning.’ They don’t have any military anymore. It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s actually, it’s actually, I think it’s treason, all right. “You want to know the truth, it’s treason.”Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened. “And Iran is being destroyed. They have no navy. They have no air force. They have no anti-aircraft equipment.
They have no radar. They have no leaders. “Their leaders are all gone,” he said.
Deepening defense relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates
This deployment highlights the growing military relationship between Israel and the UAE in the wake of the Abraham Accords, which were brokered by the United States. The agreements formally established diplomatic relations and opened the door to expanded defense and economic cooperation.Israel has previously supplied the UAE with Barak and Spyder air defense systems, but the current conflict represents the first major operational test of this partnership. A Western official noted that the UAE has become a major Iranian target partly due to its “enthusiastic” embrace of the agreements.The transfer of advanced systems such as Iron Beam reflects the intensity of the conflict and the strategic importance of the Israeli-UAE alliance in confronting regional threats.
