Israel made a historic first-time foreign deployment of the Iron Dome system and IDF troops to the United Arab Emirates, where they successfully intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles during the current conflict.
Israel deployed an Iron Dome air defense battery along with several dozen IDF personnel to the United Arab Emirates early in the ongoing war with Iran, according to a report by Axios. The secret deployment was personally approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a direct request from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This move marks the first time in history that the Iron Dome system and Israeli operators have been stationed in a foreign country outside of the United States.
The deployment came as the UAE became a primary regional target for Tehran, facing barrages of over 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones. Stationed in Abu Dhabi, the Israeli-operated system successfully intercepted dozens of incoming Iranian missiles, providing a critical shield for the Gulf state. Emirati officials noted that while the presence of Israeli troops remains a politically sensitive matter in the region, the war has fundamentally shifted the strategic mindset, with many viewing the assistance as a vital defense of national sovereignty.
This military cooperation highlights a significant deepening of the Abraham Accords, evolving from diplomatic normalization into a robust security alliance. In addition to the Iron Dome deployment, the Israeli Air Force has reportedly conducted strikes against Iranian missile positions specifically aimed at Gulf states. A senior Emirati official emphasized the weight of this support, stating that the UAE is “not going to forget” the assistance provided by Israel during the height of the crisis.
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