Defense cooperation between Israel and UAE has now come to the fore, which can have a major impact on the politics and security of the Gulf region. Recently, Israel has sent many modern weapon systems to UAE to protect it from missile and drone attacks by Iran. These include laser based iron beam system and surveillance system named Spectro. With the help of spectro system, UAE can detect drones coming from 20 km away. This will be beneficial in countering Iran's Shahed drone.
Whereas the Iron Beam Laser System destroys small rockets and drones in the air itself. This system was used by Israel for the first time this year, when there were attacks by Hezbollah from Lebanon. This information has been given by the Financial Times quoting sources. The Defense Ministry of Israel and UAE, along with Israeli company Elbit System, which makes Spectro, and Rafael Advanced Defense System, which makes Iron Beam, have also refused to comment on this matter.
According to the report of Axios, Israel has also given Iron Dome air defense system to UAE. Several dozen Israeli soldiers have also been sent to UAE to operate all these systems. According to reports, this number is not less, which means Israel's presence has increased even at the ground level. This growing cooperation between Israel and UAE could change the balance of power in the Gulf region. Its big strategic effects can be seen in the coming times.
This cooperation has become stronger after the Abraham Agreement in 2020. Under this agreement, official relations were established between Israel and UAE with the mediation of America. Now both the countries are also moving forward rapidly in defense and intelligence cooperation.
In February, America and Israel attacked Iran, after which Iran also targeted UAE in retaliation. Iran fired more than 500 ballistic missiles and about 2000 drones at UAE. However, most of the attacks were stopped by the air defense system. During this period, Israel also provided real-time intelligence information to the UAE, which helped in stopping the attacks.
UAE has clearly indicated that it will further strengthen its relations with America and Israel. Iran also targeted UAE because it has openly maintained relations with Israel. There has been a shortage of expensive missile systems in this entire conflict. Interceptor missiles are very expensive and take time to make. Therefore now the need for a cheap and fast system is being felt.
UAE is now planning to use its old Sidewinder missiles in a new way. Work is going on to launch them from the ground and connect them with laser technology, so that drone attacks can be easily stopped.
