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Amid Iran's Attacks, UAE Called For Help; Israel Responded With Iron Dome
Israel dispatched an Iron Dome air-defence battery and troops to the United Arab Emirates during the early days of Iran's attacks. The UAE sought support as Iranian strikes continued, and after a call with UAE President MBZ, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the deployment. The move marked a rare foreign use of Iron Dome and deepened UAE-Israel ties.
Why It Matters
The incident illustrates escalating regional security cooperation between the UAE and Israel in response to Iranian aggression, and highlights Iron Dome's deployment beyond Israel for the first time.
Timeline
8 Events
UAE becomes among few Iron Dome operators
April 2026
The UAE is now the only country apart from the United States and Israel to have used the Iron Dome battery.
Coordination and international praise
April 2026
Officials noted close coordination between UAE and Israel during the war with Iran, and praised allies including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Australia for their support; Tareq al-Otaiba highlighted these ties in AGSI.
First foreign deployment of Iron Dome
April 2026
A senior Israeli official told Axios that this marks the first time Israel sent the Iron Dome battery to a foreign country.
Delivery deepens UAE-Israel ties
April 2026
Analysts said the delivery of the Iron Dome during a time of crisis deepened the UAE-Israel relationship; the UAE became one of the few countries besides the United States and Israel to operate the system.
Iran's attack scale on UAE disclosed
April 2026
Abu Dhabi's defence ministry said Iran struck the UAE with 550 ballistic and cruise missiles, and over 2,200 drones.
UAE intercepts missiles with Iron Dome
April 2026
The UAE reportedly intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles using the Iron Dome, with some projectiles hitting civilian and military targets, prompting calls for external help.
IDF deployment ordered after call with MBZ
April 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli Defence Forces to send the Iron Dome battery with interceptors and several dozen IDF officials following a call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.
Iron Dome battery sent to UAE in early days of Iranian attacks
April 2026
Israel sent an Iron Dome air defence battery, along with troops to operate it, to the United Arab Emirates during the early days of Iran's attacks on the Gulf country, per Axios citing Israeli and US officials.