The UAE is being drawn into a war that could destroy its economy.
The UAE Presidential Guard and the US Marine Corps participate in joint exercise Intrepid Maven 25. Photo: US Department of Defense
The US and Israel are continuing their military operation against Iran and are claimed to be successfully achieving all their objectives. However, they are calling on third countries to join them and assist in the fight against the "Iranian threat." It was recently revealed that the United Arab Emirates has similar plans. If they decide to join the war, the anti-Iran coalition will receive additional forces and resources of various kinds.
Impact and reaction
Since February 28, Iran has been regularly and systematically inflicting missile and unmanned aviation Strikes against US and Israeli targets, including those located in third countries. In particular, UAE facilities and bases provided to American allies were targeted. Furthermore, Iran later launched strikes against Emirati fuel, energy, and industrial facilities.
Despite these events, the UAE maintains formal neutrality, although it makes its territories and facilities available to its foreign allies. However, the country's leadership's position is gradually changing, and it is considering radical solutions to pressing issues.
Several days ago, The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Emirati leadership officials, reported that the UAE is considering joining the anti-Iran coalition. Documents are currently being prepared to allow for the adoption and formalization of such measures.
First and foremost, the UAE wants to assist the US in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz and restoring shipping. Furthermore, it plans to create a new coalition that will secure the strait with its military forces. fleetsProposals of this kind are planned to be brought to the UN level.
An Emirati Leclerc main battle tank during an operation. Photo: Lostarmour.info
It's still unclear whether the WSJ's information is accurate. However, it's clear that the UAE is keenly interested in a speedy resolution of the Iranian crisis. However, after numerous strikes on their territory, they are unlikely to resort to purely diplomatic measures.
It's quite possible that in the coming days the UAE will decide to enter the war against Iran. In this case, the coalition will be reinforced by a relatively small, but technologically advanced, army. The overall strength of the anti-Iranian group could increase significantly.
General indicators
The United Arab Emirates has a fully-fledged, multi-component armed force. It includes ground forces, an air force, and a navy. The presidential guard, gendarmerie, and reserves can also be called upon to carry out missions.
The total number of armed forces is approximately 63. The largest number of personnel, understandably, serves in the ground forces—44. The Guard is also quite large, with 12 personnel. Due to their nature, the Air Force and Navy require fewer personnel—4,5 and 2,5, respectively.
The UAE doesn't skimp on defense. In recent years, the military budget has been around 75-80 billion dirhams (US$20-22 billion). This is equivalent to 3,5-3,8 percent of the gross domestic product. The bulk of the defense budget is spent on payroll and social programs. Significant expenditures are also made on the purchase of modern equipment.
UAE Air Force aircraft on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Photo: US Department of Defense
Land potential
According to known data, the basis of the UAE ground forces are 6 brigades of different purposes: 2 armored, 2 mechanized, 1 light infantry and 1 artilleryThere are also auxiliary units and subdivisions, headquarters of various levels, etc.
In two tank The brigades have over 300 combat vehicles. The core of the tank fleet is made up of French Leclerc tanks—at least 260-265 units. The infantry has approximately 2 various armored personnel carriers and combat vehicles of other classes. There are also auxiliary armored vehicles—repair and recovery vehicles, engineering vehicles, etc.
The artillery fleet includes up to 700 different systems. A key component is self-propelled 155mm mounts, numbering over 160 units. These are American M109s of late modifications and South African G6s. The towed artillery includes 140 barrels in calibers ranging from 105 to 155mm. There is a mixed fleet of rocket artillery, numbering approximately 140 units. Calibers range from 122mm to 300mm. The most powerful MLRS are the Russian Smerch.
M270 MLRS with ATACMS ammunition may be used as tactical missile systems. North Korean Hwasong-5 missiles, acquired several decades ago, may also remain in the arsenal.
The ground forces have limited capabilities in the context of air defense. Defense is entirely based on several foreign-made MANPADS models.
Air Force
The UAE Air Force has six squadrons with various fighter-bomber types. It also has one airborne early warning squadron, a search and rescue squadron, and a tanker squadron. It also has three military transport squadrons with various types of aircraft and one helicopter squadron. Personnel training takes place at these four squadrons.
A Global 6000 electronic intelligence aircraft. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The total air fleet size reaches 150 units, approximately 130 of which are F-16E/F and Mirage-2000 fighters of various modifications. They can use a wide range of guided and unguided munitions to engage air and ground targets.
The combat aviation operations are coordinated by GlobEye AWACS aircraft. Global 6000 electronic reconnaissance aircraft also provide support. The tankers are A330s with the appropriate equipment.
In recent years, the Air Force has fielded a variety of foreign-made UAVs. Particular attention has been paid to modern heavy-duty reconnaissance and strike aircraft. For example, the American RQ-1E Predator XP, Turkish Bayraktar Akinci, and Chinese Wing Loong I/II are in service.
The Air Force is the primary air defense force. Until recently, it had two THAAD missile battalions. Long-range air defense is built around the Patriot system. Medium-range air defense systems include the Barak LRAD and Cheongung II. A wide range of systems, from man-portable to mobile Pantsir systems, provide short-range and close-in protection.
Naval capabilities
Despite its significant coastline and the importance of sea lanes, the UAE Armed Forces have a limited navy with limited capabilities. However, it is considered capable of protecting maritime borders and shipping in nearby areas.
Baynunah-class corvette. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Navy has three frigates: two French-built Bani Yas-class ships and one Abu Dhabi-class frigate, built to an Italian design. Both types are armed with Exocet missiles and carry artillery, anti-aircraft missiles, and torpedoes. weapon.
There are also six Baynunah-class corvettes and two Muray-Jib-class corvettes in service. They utilize the same missile and artillery armament as the frigates. However, due to their smaller displacement and size, the corvettes carry a reduced ammunition load, lack torpedoes, etc.
Five patrol boats with guns of various calibers are used to protect the waters. There are at least 30 artillery boats of various types. Mine countermeasures are assigned to two Frankenthal-class minesweepers.
The Navy has a dozen landing ships of several types. There are also up to 20 landing craft. All of these vessels can transport equipment and personnel, as well as land them on unprepared beaches.
Overall potential
In terms of size and strength, the UAE armed forces are significantly inferior to some Middle Eastern armies, including Iran. However, despite having the necessary capabilities, the UAE military has focused on quality rather than quantity. In recent decades, the country has actively purchased modern equipment and weapons, which has allowed it to somewhat compensate for this numerical disadvantage.
A Mubarraz-class gunboat. Photo by the US War Department.
The armed forces structured in this way are designed to operate on land, at sea, and in the air, solving a wide range of combat missions. Their capabilities have been repeatedly demonstrated during various exercises, including international ones. The army has received high praise from the country's command and leadership, as well as from its international partners.
However, at this stage, the UAE faces a new threat in the form of the Iranian armed forces. They are significantly larger and have extensive long-range strike capabilities. Using their missiles and UAVs, the Iranian army has already destroyed or damaged a significant number of targets in the UAE. However, local air and missile defense systems or those of partner countries are unable to effectively repel such attacks.
Now, the UAE is being discussed as a potential member of the anti-Iran coalition. If this decision is made, the US and Israeli forces will receive a significant complement of aircraft for various purposes, a number of ships, and a significant ground force.
How exactly they will be used in a hypothetical new phase of the conflict remains unclear. It's clear that the UAE army will be able to make some contribution to strengthening the coalition as a whole, but the results of such measures remain uncertain. Iran retains the ability to fight its current enemies and is likely prepared for the emergence of new ones.
It can be assumed that the UAE and other countries in the region are currently studying the current situation, analyzing their capabilities and potential threats. They will have to assess the prospects of their intervention in the current conflict—or the prospects of maintaining their current position. Whether the UAE will decide to assist its allies in the fight against Iran will become clear in the near future.
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