Israel has deployed an operational Iron Dome battery to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time Israeli air defense systems — operated by IDF forces — are actively defending an Arab country.
The system has already intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles and drones targeting Emirati territory during the ongoing conflict.
The unprecedented move was reportedly coordinated at the highest levels between Benjamin Netanyahu and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, following massive Iranian attacks on Gulf targets. The deployment reflects a dramatic shift from diplomatic normalization under the Abraham Accords to full-scale military cooperation under fire.
According to reports, Iran launched approximately 550 missiles and over 2,200 UAVs toward targets in the Gulf region, prompting urgent Emirati requests for advanced air defense support. The Israeli Air Force has also carried out strikes against Iranian missile infrastructure to neutralize threats before launch.