Israeli Government Minister: We Support UAE’s Right to Defend Its Skies
1.An American industrial source has shared with JAFAJ that the United Arab Emirates is considering an entire overhaul of its Air Force, which would include obtaining new equipment, adopting new operational concepts, and revising its military tactics.
2.The source confirmed that the United Arab Emirates has been consulting the U.S. Department of Defense for input and technical expertise on how to cope with the Iranian aerial threat that has emerged since the launch of the ongoing U.S. confrontation with Iran.
3.Also confirmed to JAFAJ by an American military contractor who resides and operates in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s objective is to acquire weapons that enhance both its air defense and its offensive capabilities. According to the contractor, the UAE is seeking to obtain American-made kamikaze drones, specifically the FLM-136 Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), a one-way attack drone designed to destroy itself upon striking its target. The system is commonly referred to as a kamikaze drone or suicide drone. Abu Dhabi is also looking to expand its inventory of smart bombs of all types, including the 2,000-pound class of precision-guided bombs that can be carried by the UAE’s F-16 Block 60 fighter aircraft.
4.The military contractor, who has worked with both the U.S. Department of Defense in Washington and the UAE government, said that Abu Dhabi also wants to obtain a larger inventory of ground-to-air defense missiles and would like to localize the THAAD missile defense system and further develop it with both American and Israeli expertise.
5.THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is one of the United States’ most advanced missile defense systems. It is designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the final stage of their flight using hit-to-kill technology rather than explosive warheads. Israel also operates THAAD as part of its layered missile defense network alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems, providing additional protection against long-range ballistic missile threats.
6.The source, who is well connected to the UAE Air Force, said the capabilities of the Emirati Air Force are already quite significant, with its advanced F-16 fleet, substantial stockpile of smart bombs, and radar-guided missiles. Nonetheless, he said Iran’s use of large numbers of kamikaze drones has created serious concern throughout the country. He added that the UAE is now shopping for far more destructive firepower, including additional surface-to-surface missiles, because Abu Dhabi is increasingly concluding that offense is the best defense.
7.He explained that it is his understanding that the Trump administration is very pleased with and impressed by the United Arab Emirates’ resilience and commitment during the confrontation with Iran and would therefore support future American weapons sales to Abu Dhabi.
8.The source also said that Abu Dhabi remains keen to obtain the F-35 fighter aircraft. While the issue is not currently on the table, he believes it is very likely that, in the aftermath of this war, the UAE will have earned the right to acquire America’s most sophisticated fighter jet.
9.On this subject, JAFAJ also spoke with a member of the Israeli government who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said that, personally, he would not oppose a U.S. sale of the F-35 to the United Arab Emirates. However, he emphasized that such a decision would ultimately require consensus within the Israeli Cabinet and the approval of the Israeli Prime Minister. He added that the United Arab Emirates is regarded as one of the most trusted mutual partners of both Israel and the United States, adding that Israel supports the UAE’s right to defend its skies.