The United Arab Emirates and Israel, even closer in their controversial friendship

The United Arab Emirates and Israel have established a fund to jointly procure and develop new weapons systems, in a clear sign that the war against Iran is drawing the two countries closer, unnamed US officials told Middle East Eye.

MEE quoted a US official as saying that the Emirates and Israel would seek “joint procurement” of weapons systems as part of a new defense partnership. The UAE may also finance the technological development of Israeli air defense systems.

The US official added that the UAE and Israel want to jointly procure and develop anti-aircraft (C-UAS) and other air defense systems.

The agreement was recently reached during a secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Emirates.

“The UAE-Israel relationship is the most “This is the closest cooperation Israel has ever had with an Arab country,” Joel Guzansky, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv-based think tank that specializes in the Persian Gulf, told MEE.

Guzansky said a joint fund to develop weapons systems was a logical next step for both countries. We have the technology, but we lack the resources. The Emirates have the resources, but they lack the technology.”

Diplomats and defense industry sources told MEE that all Gulf states are expected to increase defense spending in response to Iranian attacks. drones.

“This agreement would be a continuation of the defense agreements that preceded it,” Bernard Haykel, a professor of Near Eastern studies at Princeton University, told MEE. “It makes sense for both sides.”

We remember that these two countries are in alliance with the Albanian government, which has aligned itself with them since October 7, with cooperation in the arms industry. /square

Source: prizrenpost