Satellite images shows deployment of Israeli missile defense system in use in UAE

Abu Dhabi (QNN)- Satellite images taken over the United Arab Emirates show at least two Israeli Barak air defense systems being deployed, according to Tactical Report.

According to the satellite images released by the Tactical Report, which covers events in the Gulf States and Middle East, the batteries and an Elta EL/M-2084 radar have been stationed near al-Dhafra air base, south of the capital Abu Dhabi.

First reported by Breaking Defense, the batteries are the first of what could be a substantial contract for additional systems to protect sensitive sites that have been targeted by missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Earlier this year, Israeli occupation agreed to sell its advanced air defense system to the UAE following months of negotiations. Following a missile and drone attack that killed three people in Abu Dhabi last year, former prime minister Naftali Bennett said that he “ordered the Israeli security establishment to provide their counterparts in the UAE with any assistance” that could help to protect against future attacks.

Since the signing of the so-called Abraham Accords in 2020, in which the UAE and ‘Israel’ normalized relations, ‘Israel’ has been able to open full diplomatic and commercial ties with the UAE.

“Israel is trying to deepen its relationship with the UAE through this kind of military assistance,” Hamed Mousavi, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Tehran, told Middle East Eye.

“Nevertheless, this deepening of military ties with Israel is going to be very concerning in Tehran.

“The UAE and Iran enjoy a good economic relationship, and the political relationship has slightly improved in the past year, and this kind of development would hurt that process,” said Mousavi.