“We are sure the UAE is a strategic market for us and that is why next month we will take part in IDEX to demonstrate our capabilities,” Ariel Karo, EVP, marketing and business development of Rafael told Raksha Anirveda in an exclusive interview.

Karo said that the participation in IDEX and other activities of Rafael in the UAE are an integral part of strengthening the new relations between the two countries. “The UAE is a very advanced country and they are after new technologies all the time. Add to this the fact that Israel and the UAE have common enemies and that further explains their huge interest in our technologies.”

Karo explained that the technologies offered by Rafael answer many of the UAE’s defence challenges. “They want more advanced technologies in the field of AI, Big Data, Cyber and HLS, in addition to a long list of defence technologies.”

The Rafael VP said that the UAE shows great interest in Rafael’s capabilities in the field of air defence. “Our company developed two tiers of the Israeli multi-tiered air defence system- the Iron Dome and the David’s Sling, and they know about the super capabilities of these two systems.”

Rafael will also participate in the Parallel exhibition, Navdex focusing on naval systems. “Rafael has a long list of naval systems that have already caught the attention of the UAE. We will present our unmanned weapon stations that can be very effective in countering swarm attacks of manned or unmanned boats.”

The Houthi rebels in Yemen are using swarm attacks to hit targets in the Gulf.

Karo revealed that there are ongoing negotiations aimed at increasing the presence of Rafael in the UAE. “We look at joint ventures with local companies and other types of cooperation that will help us to operate in the UAE.”

The Rafael EVP disclosed that the company’s display in IDEX will include technologies developed by two affiliated companies – Aeronautics developing UAVs and Controp developing advanced optical payloads.

During the interview Karo pointed out that all the present and future activities of Rafael in the UAE are conducted under the supervision of the special branch of the Israeli ministry of defence in charge of Israel’s defence exports.

-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist