The Next Frontier for Israel and the UAE

Before September 2020, hearing ‘Israeli’ and ‘Emirati' in the same sentence was an anomaly, almost unheard of – especially in the context of the two partnering on security solutions. Yet, today, the two go hand-in-hand like hummus and falafel, or as we in the defense industry like to say – like state-of-the-art systems and joint ventures.

The Abraham Accords peppered the Middle East with fresh seeds, bringing together Israelis and Emiratis seeking to explore mutual interests and dive into business collaborations. Joining the momentum and eager to discover new opportunities, we, at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), leaped through the newly-opened door with a central goal – instead of simply selling products to our neighbours, we are eager to plant joint roots with our newfound friends in the UAE and nearby Gulf States.

By offering our friends holistic solutions and, together, building the infrastructure branch by branch, we have constructed a rotating door that fortifies Israel’s and its allies’ security. Our partners in the region acknowledge the advantage IAI’s cutting-edge technologies have — from unmanned aerial systems and missiles, to airborne radars and robotic land systems, to intelligence, cyber, and space solutions. By transferring our know-how and combat-proven techniques to the local industry, we have made a deep-rooted commitment to sharing ideas and building a stronger shield in the face of our shared security challenges.

Like two olive batches picked from the same grove, the aerospace and defense industries in Israel and the UAE make for natural strategic partners. From strict licensing procedures to ensure an organised and structured process with local vendors, to steadfast commitment to delivering and maintaining top-quality products and solutions, IAI and the UAE’s and Gulf State’s defense ecosystems mirror each other’s golden standards. IAI’s advanced capabilities complement our experience in ‘making in’ other countries, and we are proud to support the UAE’s endeavor for “made in the UAE” security solutions.

— Boaz Levy is the CEO and President of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber and homeland security for defense and commercial markets.