Will Israel’s use of Iron Dome to aid Arab neighbour recalibrate Mideast defence?

The deployment of Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system in the United Arab Emirates represents a watershed moment in Middle Eastern security, as reported by Axios citing Israeli and US officials. This unprecedented move, occurring during heightened conflict with Iran, underscores the critical importance of advanced air defence capabilities in the region.

According to officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces to send an Iron Dome battery and operators to the UAE following a call with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE reportedly utilized the system to intercept numerous Iranian missiles, marking the first operational use of the Iron Dome in a nation other than Israel or the United States.

This development is particularly significant given the ongoing tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and US allies. Iran's retaliatory attacks, targeting Gulf nations hosting US military facilities, have intensified the demand for effective air defence systems. The UAE's defense ministry stated that Iran launched hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles and thousands of drones, with many being intercepted but some penetrating the defenses.

The UAE's strengthening military ties with Israel, formalized under the 2020 Abraham Accords, have paved the way for such security cooperation. This joint effort highlights a recalibration of regional defence strategies in response to perceived threats, potentially reshaping the security landscape of the Middle East.