Elbit Systems negotiates over $1 billion in defence sales to the United Arab Emirates
Israel’s top defence contractor, Elbit Systems, has been in talks to supply the UAE with more than $1 billion worth of military equipment, including drones and aircraft.
Elbit Systems discussed a package of drones valued at $180 million after Houthi missile attacks killed three people in January 2022. The Emirati side then examined an additional 45 aircraft, estimated at roughly $1.3 billion. Earlier, a $2.3 billion contract with the UAE was revealed as one of Israel’s largest defence deals. These negotiations reflect deepening security ties since the 2020 Abraham Accords, which have seen Israeli firms open offices in the Emirates and joint operations during the Iran conflict. The United States described the growing partnership as a positive outcome of the accords.
Why it matters
The deal signals a major expansion of Israeli-UAE defence cooperation, reshaping regional security and trade dynamics.
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