In a significant move, Israel deployed its Iron Dome air-defense system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the initial phase of its conflict with Iran, according to recent statements from officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to transfer this advanced defense technology, along with a contingent of Israeli soldiers to operate it, to safeguard the UAE, a key ally, from Iran’s intensive retaliatory actions, as reported by sources to Axios.

This deployment marks a historic first, as Israel has never before shared its aerial defense system with a Gulf nation. The Iron Dome successfully intercepted multiple Iranian missile attacks during the conflict, Israeli officials confirmed to the media outlet.

Since signing a peace agreement in 2020, the UAE and Israel have enjoyed a robust partnership. During the conflict, Emirati officials expressed gratitude towards Israel and the United States for their supportive actions.

The decision to enhance the UAE’s defense capabilities followed a conversation between Netanyahu and the UAE’s President, Mohammed bin Zayed.

Throughout the regional conflict, Iran launched an estimated 550 ballistic and cruise missiles at the UAE, along with over 2,200 drones, according to the Emirati Ministry of Defense.

The sheer onslaught is more than what Iran fired at any other country during the war, a direct message from Tehran regarding the UAE’s close relationship with Israel, according to the UK-based  International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank.

While the majority of missiles and drones were intercepted, several projectiles were able to get through the joint UAE-Israeli defenses, hitting military and civilian targets.

The UAE metropolis of Dubai was among the repeated targets, with Iranian drones able to hit its International Financial Center, US consulate building and airfields.

Along with the US and Israel, Abu Dhabi has taken notice of the efforts from France, the UK, Italy and Australia to defend the UAE during the war.

“It was a real eye-opening moment. To see who our real friends are,” an Emirati official told Axios.