Israel sent Iron Dome system, team to UAE during recent Iran war, Miri Regev confirms

Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system has undergone a major upgrade following an extensive testing phase initiated after the recent conflict with Iran, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry. The upgrades, developed in collaboration with the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) and the Rafael defense company, aim to enhance the system’s capacity to counter a broader spectrum of aerial threats, including rockets, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These improvements are described as part of a broader strategy to maintain Israel’s qualitative and strategic edge in both defensive and offensive military capabilities.

The testing process, which began shortly after the conclusion of the Iran war, involved multiple simulations and real-world scenarios aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of newly introduced features. According to the Defense Ministry, these tests focused on refining the system’s response mechanisms to evolving threats, ensuring it can adapt to both current and anticipated challenges. In addition to the upgrades to the Iron Dome itself, the high-powered laser interception system known as Iron Beam was also tested in conjunction with the Iron Dome. This joint operation scenario was conducted from the Iron Dome’s central command structure, allowing for seamless coordination between the two systems.

Iron Beam, which was first deployed in December 2025, is designed to complement the Iron Dome by targeting smaller projectiles, thus preserving the more powerful missile-based systems for larger threats. Unlike traditional missile systems, the laser-based Iron Beam does not require physical ammunition, making it potentially more sustainable in prolonged conflicts. However, despite its deployment, the system has not yet been fully integrated into active service within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A senior military official noted in May that the coverage area of Iron Beam remains limited, requiring additional time and resources to establish a comprehensive network of laser-based defenses.

The integration of Iron Beam into the IDF’s arsenal marks a significant technological advancement in Israel’s air defense capabilities. While the system has been deployed, its operational status is still under evaluation. Military planners estimate that at least 14 Iron Beam batteries would be required to achieve a substantial impact in combat scenarios. As of now, only a single unit has been fielded, indicating that widespread implementation is still in progress.

During the recent conflict with Iran, Israel took a notable step by deploying an Iron Dome battery to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accompanied by IDF personnel tasked with operating the system. This marked the first time the Iron Dome was used operationally outside of Israel and the United States. The move came after a direct communication between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, underscoring the deepening military and strategic ties between the two nations.

The deployment of the Iron Dome to the UAE was prompted by the large-scale missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against the Gulf state. According to reports, Iran fired significantly more ballistic and cruise missiles at the UAE compared to Israel, along with thousands of drones. Despite the overwhelming number of projectiles, most were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, although some managed to penetrate the defense shield and strike both military and civilian targets. The involvement of the Iron Dome in the UAE highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in bolstering regional security.

The collaboration between Israel and the UAE has intensified since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, reaching new levels during the recent conflict with Iran. The increased exchange of military and intelligence information reflects a broader trend of regional cooperation aimed at countering shared threats. Meanwhile, efforts to provide similar air defense systems to Saudi Arabia remain stalled due to ongoing negotiations regarding normalization of relations with Israel. Although Saudi Arabia has shown interest in engaging with Israel, it has conditioned such moves on significant concessions related to the Palestinian issue.

Looking ahead, the successful integration of the Iron Dome and Iron Beam systems represents a critical milestone in Israel’s defense modernization. With continued investment and expansion of the Iron Beam network, the IDF aims to create a layered, highly responsive air defense architecture capable of addressing emerging threats effectively. As regional dynamics evolve, the role of advanced technologies like the Iron Beam could become even more pivotal in safeguarding national security.