Israeli defence companies reportedly sold advanced military systems to Qatar and Saudi Arabia despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations with either Gulf States nation, according to an investigative report published by Haaretz. The report, based on internal documents and photographs, alleges that sophisticated Israeli-made defence technologies reached both countries through undisclosed channels.
Among the reported exports were missile protection systems and combat helmets for fighter aircraft, highlighting the extent of security cooperation that may have taken place behind closed doors despite the lack of official diplomatic recognition.
Missile Shield for Qatar’s Emir
One of the report’s most notable claims concerns Gulf States and Qatar’s ruling family. According to Haaretz, the aircraft used by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during his visit to Tehran last year was equipped with the C-MUSIC airborne missile defence system manufactured by Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems.
The C-MUSIC (Commercial Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure) system is designed to protect aircraft from heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles by detecting incoming threats and disrupting their guidance systems using advanced laser technology. The system has been deployed on both military and civilian aircraft in several countries.
Military Equipment for Saudi Arabia
The report also alleges that Saudi Arabia procured Israeli-made combat helmets for fighter pilots, further suggesting that Israeli defence technologies have found their way into the kingdom’s military inventory. While details regarding the procurement process and the value of the reported deals were not disclosed, the findings indicate a level of defence cooperation that has largely remained out of public view.
Neither the Saudi nor the Qatari governments have publicly commented on the allegations.
Quiet Security Cooperation
Israel has no formal diplomatic ties with either Qatar or Saudi Arabia. However, regional analysts have long suggested that discreet security and intelligence cooperation exists between Israel and several Gulf states, driven by shared strategic concerns, including regional security threats and Iran’s growing influence.
The reported defence sales, if confirmed, would underscore the complexity of Middle Eastern geopolitical relationships, where unofficial security partnerships often coexist with the absence of formal diplomatic engagement.
The Israeli government and Elbit Systems had not issued official responses to the Haaretz report at the time of publication.
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