IDF sent Iron Dome, soldiers to UAE to defend against Iranian attacks – report

The UAE has faced more Iranian attacks than any other Gulf country.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel deployed an Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates in the early days of the war with Iran, sending personnel to operate it to help defend the country from sustained Iranian attacks, according to one American and two Israeli officials cited by Axios.

The system’s presence on Emirati soil had not been publicly disclosed prior to the report.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of the system, along with several dozen Israeli soldiers, Israeli sources told Axios, describing the move as part of efforts to protect a strategic partner facing ongoing threats during the conflict.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, Iran launched around 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones toward the UAE during the war.

While many were intercepted, some struck military and civilian sites, the ministry said.

The UAE has faced more Iranian attacks than any other country in the region since the war began.

The deployment reflects the expanding scope of military, security, and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE.

The two countries have maintained close ties since signing a peace treaty in 2020, with officials in Abu Dhabi recognizing assistance provided during the conflict and ongoing coordination during the war.

In addition to Israel and the United States, Emirati officials noted contributions from France, the UK, Italy, and Australia in defending the country during the war.

An Emirati official told Axios the experience highlighted key alliances, saying, “It was a real eye-opening moment. To see who our real friends are.”

The report cited multiple officials familiar with the matter, indicating coordination between Israel and its regional partner as attacks from Iran continued.