A Barak-8 launcher on display at the Paris Air Show in June 2015 (AIN)

The United Arab Emirates has deployed the Israeli-made Barak aerial defense system against Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, according to Israeli media.

The missile battery is reportedly stationed south of Abu-Dhabi, close to the Al-Dhafra airbase, as per satellite images.

At the “Nevatim” Israeli Air Force Base in April, ten sizable cargo aircraft from the Emirati Air Force were spotted. At the time, Reuters also revealed that the gulf state had purchased another unnamed Israeli air defense system in its report on the UAE's acquisition of the Israeli-made SPYDER anti-aircraft system.

SPECIAL REPORT:
Israeli Barak air defense system appears in UAE: Implications and analysis
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The UAE reportedly deployed the Barak air defense system last week, according to Israeli media. Two missile launchers that are fully operational and an ELTA radar can be seen on satellite images south of Abu Dhabi.

Israeli media reports revealed that a joint aerial “defense” system is being built by “Israel” and its Arab allies to the east. The initiative got underway shortly after the normalization deals were signed and has developed over the past six months, as per the reports.

The purpose behind this collaboration seems to be to related to anti-Iran activities, according to the report.

This year, Morocco and “Israel” also agreed to a purchase agreement for the Barak weapons system. In recent weeks, Ukraine has expressed interest in purchasing the Israeli system to fend off Russian attacks. In short, more radars in the region mean rising tensions.

This comes shortly after BreakingDefense reported last week that the UAE had obtained a version of the Israeli-made Barak air defense system via contract.

The relationship between "Israel" and the normalizing Arab states may appear based on trust, but "Tel Aviv" remains wary regarding what it sells to its partners.

The main focus, for the time being, is on air defense systems; offering advanced offensive weapons is not on the table and is unlikely to be available anytime soon.