Buyers Impressed by Israeli Defense Innovations at Abu Dhabi Exhibition

Leading Israeli defense manufacturers showcased cutting-edge technologies at the 2025 International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) in Abu Dhabi last week. The event, which concluded on Friday, highlighted the enduring strength of the Abraham Accords despite heightened regional tensions involving Iran’s proxies.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) led a prominent delegation, presenting advanced air defense systems, remotely-crewed aircraft, satellite technologies, naval combat suites, and sophisticated sensors, including radars, electro-optics, and electronic warfare components.

“This is a show that we have been attending since the Abraham Accords were signed in 2020,” said Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO. “The Accords were designed to bring peace and prosperity to our region, and this show and our participation along with other Israeli companies’ participation is, in many ways, turning that vision into reality.”

The participation of Israeli companies in a high-profile defense event in the UAE underscores the evolving nature of trade and security cooperation in the Middle East. While pro-Palestinian protests have swept the region in response to Israel’s conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah, the warm reception from Emirati hosts showcased a powerful commitment to the accords.

“We received a very warm welcome from our Emirati hosts and were honored to host them and many of our clients and prospective clients in our booth,” Levy added.

This warm reception stands in stark contrast to the experience of Israeli defense companies in Europe. “This comes within one year of us and other Israeli defense companies—being uninvited by the French to two air shows,” Levy noted, emphasizing the strength of regional ties over shifting European policies.

Morocco, another signatory of the Abraham Accords, recently decided to purchase 36 ATMOS 2000 155 mm self-propelled gun systems from Israeli defense firm Elbit, opting against renewing a contract with a French manufacturer. The deal highlights Israel’s growing footprint in defense markets once considered off-limits.

At IDEX and NAVDEX, IAI also showcased its Barak ER air and missile defense system, which drew significant interest. The Barak ER features a vertically-launched interceptor missile with a range of over 90 miles, offering advanced fire optimization and threat management capabilities.

Another standout was the MMR radar, a globally recognized system providing real-time, high-quality situational imaging. The multi-tasking radar can simultaneously detect and classify hundreds of targets, including UAVs, missile barrages, and emerging threats.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 by Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, continue to foster unprecedented economic and security cooperation. As the region faces persistent threats, these alliances not only bolster stability but also pave the way for economic prosperity and technological advancement.

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