The company will produce and sell Israeli surveillance systems in the UAE under Israeli oversight
News Desk - The Cradle
The new branch, Controp Emirates Ltd., will operate from Abu Dhabi’s Free Trade Zone (ADGM) with full ownership retained by the Israeli parent company.
This move marks the first Israeli arms venture in the Gulf since the 2020 Abraham Accords, described by Maariv as an “unprecedented security and economic step.”
According to the Israeli outlet, the government approved the creation of the subsidiary following authorization from the Ministry of Defense.
The Defense Security commissioner reviewed the plan and introduced “strict oversight mechanisms” to prevent the transfer of sensitive military information to foreign parties.
The Abu Dhabi branch will manage sales, maintenance, technical support, and local manufacturing of Controp’s electro-optical systems used for surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance.
The initial investment, estimated at $30 million, will be financed through Controp’s equity and owner loans.
The company stated that Controp Emirates would “enable improved service, shorter delivery times and stronger trust with local customers.”
An Israeli citizen will serve as chief executive, and full operational control will remain in Israeli hands.
Authorities emphasized that the subsidiary will comply with all provisions of the Defense Export Control Law, with any transfer of knowledge or royalties requiring explicit Defense Ministry approval.
Government sources cited by Maariv said the initiative represents “another step in strengthening economic and technological cooperation” between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi, while ensuring Israeli security interests remain protected.
Controp, a leading supplier of electro-optical and infrared systems, provides equipment for intelligence gathering, border surveillance, and drone warfare.
Its products are used by the Israeli army, US border agencies, and several foreign militaries.
The new Emirati branch deepens Tel Aviv’s military footprint in the Gulf and integrates the UAE’s expanding defense market into Israel’s weapons supply chain.
Tel Aviv’s defense exports to Arab states have surged to record levels in recent years.
According to Eurasian Times, as much as 12 percent of Israel’s global weapons sales in 2024 were directed to Arab countries that normalized relations under the Abraham Accords, up from just three percent the previous year.
Combined purchases by the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan totaled roughly $1.8 billion, making Arab states the third-largest market for Israeli weapons after Europe and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
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