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Israel's largest defense firm discussed sales to UAE

source: news (news:semafor)published 2026-08-04 12:32ingested 2026-08-05 08:43

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Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense contractor, reportedly discussed selling the UAE more than $1 billion of gear, as military ties between the two countries warm.
Abu Dhabi requested drones worth $180 million after Houthi missiles killed three in January 2022, Haaretz reported, based on leaked documents. The UAE then explored 45 more aircraft, worth roughly $1.3 billion.
A previous investigation revealed Elbit’s $2.3 billion contract last November — one of Israel’s largest ever — was with the UAE. Ties have improved since the 2020 Abraham Accords: Several Israeli defence companies have opened Emirati offices or joint ventures, while Israel sent equipment and crews to the UAE during the Iran war. The US called it a “benefit” of the deal.

document fetched 2026-08-05 08:43 · canonical https://semafor.com/article/08/04/2026/military-ties-between-israel-and-the-uae-warm-amid-talks-of-defense-sales