Israel is accelerating the deployment of its 'Iron Beam' laser air defense system to the United Arab Emirates as both countries respond to an escalating drone threat from Iran. The move comes after a wave of attacks in which most incoming projectiles were intercepted using a combination of air defense systems, including Israeli-supplied equipment.

The intensity of the strikes has placed significant strain on interceptor stockpiles across the United States, Israel, and Gulf states. Many advanced interceptor missiles cost millions of dollars each and require months to manufacture, raising concerns about sustainability during prolonged conflicts.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, by the time Iran and the United States reached a ceasefire, the United States military had expended roughly half of its reserves of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot interceptors. The deployment of a laser-based system is seen as a way to reduce reliance on costly missile interceptors and strengthen regional air defenses against continued drone attacks.