SAFA -  Leaked internal documents reviewed by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reveal extensive negotiations between Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems and the United Arab Emirates over advanced drones, intelligence platforms and electronic warfare systems, highlighting the rapid expansion of military cooperation between the two sides following the normalization agreements.

According to the report, the discussions intensified after the Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi in January 2022. Within weeks, Elbit Systems reportedly submitted an urgent proposal to supply the UAE with Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen border surveillance, detect missiles and drones, and support domestic security operations.

The leaked documents indicate that the initial proposal included six Hermes 900 drones equipped with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The package reportedly featured high-resolution surveillance cameras, cellular communications interception systems, electronic warfare equipment, and ground control stations, with an estimated value of approximately $180 million.

Correspondence cited in the report suggests that Emirati officials later considered expanding the purchase to 15 systems, equivalent to 45 drones, in a deal potentially worth $1.3 billion.

Advanced Intelligence Platforms Proposed

The documents also reportedly contain an Emirati “wish list” requesting four electronic intelligence aircraft equipped with advanced capabilities for intelligence gathering, communications interception, and electronic warfare missions. The report did not confirm whether that transaction was ultimately completed.

Additional proposals included the supply of SkyStriker loitering munitions and an offer to provide the Hermes 650, Elbit’s newest drone platform, months before its official public unveiling.

According to Haaretz, Elbit also proposed establishing local production of selected drone components inside the UAE to support the country’s growing domestic defense industry.

Email Leak Raises Security Concerns

The newspaper reported that the documents surfaced after hackers allegedly compromised the personal email account of a senior Elbit executive believed to have used the account for sensitive business correspondence.

The leaked communications also revealed that some company officials exchanged classified documents through personal email accounts, raising questions about information security practices within Israel’s largest military manufacturer.

According to the report, Israeli defense exports reached a record $19 billion in 2025, with nearly $3 billion directed to countries that normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

Since 2021, Israeli arms sales to those countries have reportedly exceeded $9 billion, with the United Arab Emirates and Morocco accounting for the largest share.

The report concludes that military cooperation between Israel and the UAE has expanded beyond arms procurement. During the recent confrontation with Iran, reports indicated that Israeli-made air defense systems, including Iron Dome batteries and other defensive technologies, were deployed in the UAE as part of an increasingly close security partnership between the two countries.