Israel sent Iron Dome and troops to help defend UAE during Iran war - report

Key Points:

• Israel deployed an Iron Dome battery and several dozen troops to the United Arab Emirates early in the war with Iran, marking the first time the system has been sent to a country outside Israel and the US.
• The UAE was heavily targeted by Iran during the conflict, facing over 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drone attacks, leading Abu Dhabi to seek missile defense assistance from allies.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment after a call with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the Iron Dome reportedly intercepting dozens of Iranian missiles.
• The close military and political coordination between Israel and the UAE during the war reflects unprecedented partnership since their normalization under the 2020 Abraham Accords, though the deployment of Israeli troops abroad remains politically sensitive.
• Other countries, including Ukraine, have requested Iron Dome technology from Israel but were declined; meanwhile, the US is developing a satellite-based missile defense system called “Golden Dome” inspired by Iron Dome.