UAE Pursues Israeli Drones Amid Houthi Threats, Leaked Emails Reveal
Leaked emails have disclosed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sought to acquire advanced drones from Israel's Elbit Systems following a missile and drone attack by Yemen's Houthis on Abu Dhabi in January 2022. The emails, verified by Haaretz and Drop Site News, show that discussions for the sale of Hermes 900 drones and related equipment began as early as 2021. The urgency of the sale was heightened by the attack, which targeted oil tanker trucks and the Abu Dhabi airport. The initial deal was valued at $154 million, with potential upgrades increasing the cost to $225 million. The emails were obtained by Handala, a hacking group with alleged ties to the Iranian government. The UAE and Israel have strengthened defense ties since normalizing relations under the Abraham Accords, brokered by President Trump's administration. 
