The United Arab Emirates has deployed Israeli Barak missile batteries against ballistic and cruise missiles, and drones, according to satellite images shared on social media.
The satellite image appears to show two Barak 8 launch modules and an Elta EL/M-2084 radar near al-Dhafra airbase, south of Abu Dhabi.
The Barak missile defense system is jointly developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with Israeli Aircraft Industry’s Elta division, Rafael and several other companies in both countries.
The batteries are the first phase of a substantial contract for additional systems to protect sensitive sites that have been targeted by missiles and drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels over Abu Dhabi’s cooperation with the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen.
The UAE has invaded Yemen and seen several missile and drone attacks carried out by the Houthis in recent months. Late in September, Israel said it had agreed to sell the advanced air defense system to the UAE in the first such deal since they forged relations in 2020.
The Barak 8 has a length of about 4.5 meters, a diameter of 0.225 meters at missile body, and 0.54 meters at the booster stage, a wingspan of 0.94 meters and weighs 275 kg including a 60 kg warhead which detonates at proximity.
The missile has maximum speed of Mach 2 with a maximum operational range of 70 km.
Military Monitoring / ABC Flash-Point Muslim News 2022.
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