Leaked Israeli files show $1.3 billion arms deal with UAE, including Hermes 900 drones

Leaked internal correspondence from Israel's Elbit Systems shows that Israel sold strategic drones and advanced military systems to the United Arab Emirates under a deal worth approximately $1.3 billion, according to the documents. The files include a request that Elbit rapidly deliver six Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles to the UAE and expand the fleet to 45 aircraft within 15 full systems. The drones, known in the Israeli military as "Kokav," are used for intelligence gathering and strike missions, the documents indicate. The leaked materials also show that Iron Dome and the "Magen Or" laser defense systems were shipped to the UAE and were used to intercept roughly 3,000 missiles and drones launched from Iran. Separately, a project called "Yasmin 3" is set to produce 6,000 guided bombs within three months, according to the files. The correspondence outlines pricing, delivery schedules and operational details that have not previously been disclosed. No immediate response from Elbit Systems or Israeli and Emirati authorities was reported.