We felt at home’ Israeli weapons firms out in force at Abu Dhabi defense expo

Israeli Defense Firms in Force at Abu Dhabi Expo Amid Regional Shifts

A record 34 Israeli companies showcased their cutting-edge defense technologies at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, cementing Israel’s growing role in the Middle East's defense sector. This prominent event, the region's largest defense expo, is hosted biennially and attracts military officials, defense contractors, and buyers from around the world.

This year's IDEX came amidst a backdrop of evolving geopolitical shifts, particularly following the Abraham Accords of 2020, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the UAE and other Gulf nations have continued to develop trade and military relations with Israel. This dynamic was clearly evident at IDEX, as Israeli firms were greeted with a notably warmer reception compared to previous events.

A Transformational Moment for Israeli Defense Firms

For Israeli aerospace and defense companies, the IDEX 2025 expo was a significant moment. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), one of the country’s largest defense contractors, was present with a wide array of technology on display, ranging from drones to missile defense systems. According to IAI’s CEO, Boaz Levy, the company’s participation at IDEX highlighted a changing atmosphere in the Middle East. “We felt very welcome and at home here,” he remarked. “The hospitality, the visits of all our customers, and the administration here was really good, and it is like any other show in the world.”

The tone at this year’s expo marked a stark contrast to the 2023 Dubai Airshow, held just one month after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. At that event, only three Israeli defense firms were present, and their pavilions were largely empty, with representatives reluctant to speak to the press. The mood was tense due to the ongoing conflict and the widespread condemnation of Israel's military actions in Gaza.

However, by 2025, the situation had changed dramatically. Despite the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s actions in Gaza, the UAE’s role as a hub for defense and technology made it an important venue for Israeli defense companies. Business executives from companies like Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems expressed that interest in their products had surged, particularly as their systems had been battle-tested during Israel’s recent military operations.

Strengthened Ties Between Israel and the UAE

The UAE’s openness to Israeli companies was not lost on the exhibitors. While Israeli-UAE relations remain complex, especially with tensions over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the fact that Israel and the UAE had normalized relations through the Abraham Accords in 2020 was key in shaping the current defense collaboration. Despite differing views on regional politics, particularly regarding the Palestinian conflict, both nations have found common ground on defense cooperation and technology.

As a result, several Israeli defense companies have established offices in the UAE, such as IAI and Elbit Systems, with the goal of fostering stronger business relationships and selling their products in the region. The UAE’s military forces are increasingly interested in acquiring high-tech defense systems, from air defense technologies to counter-drone solutions, areas in which Israel excels.

One prominent example is Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, which has been credited with saving countless lives in Israel by intercepting rockets fired from Gaza. At IDEX, companies like IAI proudly showcased their missile defense systems, which are now in high demand among countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Surge in Demand for Israeli Defense Products

While the ongoing war with Hamas has created immense human suffering, it has also resulted in a boost for Israel’s defense industry. According to Israeli defense executives, the battle-tested nature of their systems is making them even more attractive to foreign buyers. Taly Kosberg Shmueli, deputy CEO of RT Aerostat Systems, a company that specializes in surveillance and reconnaissance technology, emphasized this point. “We just proved that our systems can survive in the toughest environments. We can adapt to the needs of the field,” she said. “Business-wise, we’re very happy with the last year.”

RT Aerostat Systems, which produces surveillance balloons, has already secured business in the UAE and is in talks with several other Gulf nations. These systems, which provide command and control capabilities, are in high demand as regional powers seek to enhance their security infrastructure.

In addition, the demand for Israeli drones has surged, as they have proven invaluable in modern warfare. Israeli drones are now considered some of the most sophisticated in the world, offering advanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive capabilities. Their growing use in counter-terrorism operations has made them a popular export item for Arab Gulf states seeking to improve their own military capabilities.

The Rise of Israel as a Global Arms Exporter

Israel’s defense industry is a significant pillar of its economy. In 2023, the country reached a record $13 billion in arms exports, a 36% increase over 2022. This growth has established Israel as the 9th-largest arms exporter globally, with a market share that extends far beyond the Middle East. Israeli products are in demand in Europe, Southeast Asia, and even the United States, the world’s largest defense market.

According to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), air defense systems account for more than a third of Israel’s arms exports. The largest importer of Israeli weapons is India, followed by European nations, Southeast Asian countries, and the U.S. The UAE, along with other nations that normalized ties under the Abraham Accords, is also a growing buyer of Israeli defense products.

The UAE’s participation in the Abraham Accords has had a noticeable impact on the defense industry. In 2022, 24% of Israeli arms exports went to Arab nations that had established relations with Israel. The increasing openness of Gulf countries to Israeli defense products is expected to continue shaping future military collaborations in the region.

Long-Term Geopolitical Implications

The warming ties between Israel and Gulf states are having long-term implications for regional security and the balance of power. Israel’s advanced military technology is increasingly seen as a strategic asset for countries in the Gulf seeking to bolster their defense capabilities, particularly in the face of growing threats from regional adversaries such as Iran.

Despite the political and humanitarian challenges posed by Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza, Israeli companies have successfully navigated this sensitive terrain. Their participation at IDEX is a clear indicator of the growing acceptance of Israel’s defense expertise, not just in the UAE, but across the broader Middle East.

In conclusion, the presence of Israeli defense firms at IDEX 2025 underscores the shifting dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The ongoing cooperation between Israel and Gulf states in defense matters signals a new chapter in regional relations. As defense technology continues to evolve and as Israel's products gain further credibility in conflict zones, this collaboration is likely to expand, fostering greater integration of Israel into the Middle East’s security infrastructure.