Subsequent reporting linking the deal to the United Arab Emirates has raised strategic questions about Israel’s defense exports and regional balance.

The eight-year contract, disclosed on November 17, is the largest in Elbit’s history and was described only as a “strategic solution.”

Neither the buyer nor the system involved has been officially confirmed, and Israeli authorities have maintained strict confidentiality.

A Contract Without a Name

Elbit Systems said the $2.3 billion agreement would run for eight years and involve advanced defense systems, but provided no details on the customer, technology, or geographic region. 

In press releases and stock exchange filings, the company cited confidentiality requirements, offering only that the deal represents a “strategic solution” for an international client.

The scale of the contract is notable. 

At approximately $2.3 billion, it exceeds all previous Elbit agreements and signals demand for high-end defense capabilities at a time of heightened regional security concerns. 

The lack of disclosure has fueled speculation in Israeli and international media about the identity of the buyer and the nature of the systems involved.

“Highly Advanced Technology”

On December 15–16, the French intelligence publication Intelligence Online reported that the buyer is the United Arab Emirates. 

Israeli outlets including Ynet News and Calcalist/CTech echoed the claim on December 16, describing the system as incorporating “highly advanced technology” and, in some coverage, as a “unique and groundbreaking” strategic defense solution.

No official confirmation has followed. 

Elbit, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and UAE authorities have declined to comment, and Israeli media reported that publication restrictions were imposed partly at the customer’s request, with warnings that disclosure could jeopardize the deal. 

The information therefore remains based on foreign intelligence reporting rather than official statements.

Expanding Israel–UAE Defense Ties

Israel and the UAE normalized relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, opening the door to expanded security and defense cooperation. 

Since then, Israeli firms including Elbit and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have established offices in Abu Dhabi, reflecting deepening commercial and strategic ties.

Reported past deals include IAI’s sale of Barak MX air defense systems to the UAE and a $53 million Elbit contract in 2022 for airborne self-protection systems. 

In 2025, the UAE’s EDGE Group acquired a stake in an Israeli drone-jamming company, underscoring growing two-way engagement. 

If the UAE link to the $2.3 billion contract is confirmed, it would mark a significant escalation in both scale and sensitivity.