Israel secretly deployed an advanced air defense system and military personnel to the United Arab Emirates during the early stages of the Iran war.

Axar.az reports, citing Axios, the move, ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, followed a request from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed as the Gulf state came under sustained missile and drone attacks from Iran.

Officials said Israel sent an Iron Dome battery along with dozens of troops to operate it—marking the first known deployment of the system to a foreign country outside Israel and the United States. The system intercepted dozens of incoming projectiles targeting the UAE.

Since the conflict began, the UAE has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the region, with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones launched toward its territory. While most were intercepted, some struck military and civilian sites.

The deployment highlights a significant deepening of security cooperation between Israel and the UAE following their 2020 normalization agreement. Officials from both countries said coordination has expanded across military and intelligence channels during the conflict.

The presence of Israeli troops on Emirati soil is seen as politically sensitive in the region, but UAE officials suggested the ongoing threat from Iran has shifted public perception, with support growing for partners contributing to national defense.

The development also underscores broader international backing for the UAE, with countries including the United States and several European allies providing assistance as the conflict continues.