Israel has deployed its Iron Dome air defence system to the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing war with Iran, marking the first time the system has been operationally used in another country beyond Israel and limited use in the United States. The move came after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles along with more than two thousand drones at the United Arab Emirates, making it one of the most heavily targeted countries in the region.

Ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after talks with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deployment included several dozen Israeli military personnel to help protect critical infrastructure. The system reportedly intercepted dozens of incoming missiles. Israel also carried out strikes in southern Iran aimed at neutralising threats targeting Gulf countries.

The Iron Dome, developed beginning in 2007 and operational since 2011, is designed to intercept rockets, drones, cruise missiles, artillery and mortars. It uses radar to assess whether a projectile threatens populated or strategic areas and launches interceptor missiles only when necessary, giving it a reported success rate of over ninety percent.

The deployment highlights deepening military and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the United Arab Emirates since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Despite political sensitivities around foreign troops, officials in the Emirates described the assistance as a turning point in regional alliances and a sign of strengthened partnerships amid escalating threats.