Israel's largest defense firm discussed sales to UAE
The reported discussions about whether Elbit Systems would sell the UAE more than $1 billion of military gear come as ties between Israel and the emirates warm.
Elbit Systems, Israel's largest defense contractor, has reportedly discussed selling over $1 billion worth of military equipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to leaked documents cited by Haaretz. The UAE initially requested drones worth $180 million after Houthi missiles killed three UAE citizens in January 2022.
Following this incident, the UAE explored purchasing 45 more aircraft, valued at roughly $1.3 billion. Elbit's $2.3 billion contract with the UAE, one of Israel's largest defense deals, was disclosed in a previous investigation. Military ties between Israel and the UAE have improved since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, with several Israeli defense companies establishing offices or joint ventures in the UAE.
Israel also sent equipment and military personnel to the UAE during the Iran war, with the US viewing the deal as a "benefit."
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