Israel has supplied the UAE with state-of-the-art air defense systems and the Iron Beam laser system
Israel has supplied the United Arab Emirates with advanced air defense systems to bolster its defenses against missile and drone attacks from Iran. These include, in particular, the Iron Beam laser system and other target detection technologies.
This was reported by the Financial Times.
The UAE also received the Spectro system, capable of detecting Shahed-type drones at a distance of up to 20 kilometers. The transferred version of Iron Beam allows for the destruction of short-range missiles and drones using a laser beam.
It is known that Israel first used this technology in early 2026 to intercept projectiles fired by the Hezbollah group.
The new systems have supplemented the Emirates’ existing multi-layered air defense, including Iron Dome systems. Along with the equipment, Israel has sent military specialists to the country to maintain and integrate the systems.
Additionally, the Israeli side provides the UAE with real-time intelligence regarding potential attacks from Iran.
It is reported that some of the transferred weapons are prototypes that have not yet undergone a full integration cycle, indicating the urgency of strengthening defenses.
According to sources, since the start of the conflict, Iran has carried out massive strikes on UAE territory, using over 500 ballistic missiles and about 2,000 drones. Most of them, according to available data, were intercepted by air defense systems.
The United Arab Emirates government has begun preliminary consultations with the United States regarding the provision of emergency financial aid.
IMF Downgrades Forecast Due to War in the Middle East
Additionally, Russia continues to evacuate its personnel from the Iranian nuclear plant, despite the declared ceasefire. Most of the staff have already been evacuated, but some remain on site. Officials in Moscow say the situation remains unpredictable.
Oil prices have surged again, approaching $100 per barrel. The reason is disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the ceasefire with Iran. The market remains volatile following a sharp drop the previous day.
Gulf countries reported that on April 9, they did not record any new airstrikes from Iran. This is the first day without strikes since the war began in late February. The situation may indicate a temporary easing of tensions in the region.
Since the announcement of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, only a few ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic remains limited and unstable. Against this backdrop, hundreds of oil tankers are waiting for permission to pass.
