Israel has deployed a version of its Iron Beam laser air defence system to the United Arab Emirates amidst rising tensions with Iran. This strategic move aims to protect the Gulf nation from potential missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, as reported by the Financial Times.

In addition to the Iron Beam system, Israel has also sent a surveillance platform known as Spectro, which possesses the capability to detect Iranian drones from a distance of up to 20 kilometres. A regional official highlighted the significance of this cooperation, stating that it reflects the advantages of maintaining a close relationship with Israel.

The deployment included not only technology transfers but also involved the introduction of the Iron Dome air defence system to the UAE, accompanied by a contingent of Israeli troops tasked with its operation. According to sources, this included “several dozen” Israeli military personnel stationed in the UAE, enhancing the defence collaboration between the two nations.

Details of the Iron Beam System

The Iron Beam system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a relatively new high-energy laser technology designed for neutralising short-range rockets and drones. It operates by focusing a concentrated laser beam on targets, rendering them ineffective within approximately four to five seconds. This technology has been previously employed by Israel against projectiles launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon.

Importantly, many of the defensive systems provided to the UAE were still in the prototype phase and had yet to be fully integrated within Israel’s military networks. To address the urgent demands created by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Israeli forces reportedly deployed systems that were still undergoing development, pulling these technologies from non-active status to assist the Emiratis effectively.

Regional Security Context and Military Coordination

In light of the escalating conflict, Iran has reportedly launched over 500 ballistic missiles and around 2,000 drones targeting the UAE since the start of a new offensive by the United States and Israel on February 28. In response, the UAE activated various layers of air defence, which include systems supplied by Israel, thereby successfully intercepting many incoming threats.

Furthermore, Israel is said to have provided vital intelligence to the UAE, including warnings regarding preparations for short-range missile launches within Iranian territory. Such cooperation is indicative of the growing military coordination that has evolved since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE.

Since the establishment of the Abraham Accords, ties between Israel and the UAE have progressively strengthened across both economic and defence spheres. Israel has supplied various military systems such as Barak and Spyder, enhancing the UAE’s security infrastructure. A Western official noted that the UAE’s strong support for the Accords has made it a primary target for Iran during the recent escalation of hostilities.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share