Israeli defense firm Controp Precision Technologies has received government approval to establish a subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The new branch — Controp (UAE) Limited — will be fully owned by the Israeli parent company and based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Trade Zone. This allows it to locally produce and market advanced electro-optical surveillance systems in the Gulf region for the first time, according to a report by Maarviv.
It will focus on sales, maintenance, technical support, and local assembly of Controp’s surveillance and targeting systems used in defense, homeland security, and border monitoring.
The Israeli government emphasized that the move was approved under strict security supervision by the Defense Security Commissioner to prevent any unauthorized transfer of classified technology or data.
The UAE subsidiary’s information systems will remain fully separated from those in Israel, and any exchange of technical knowledge or royalties will require prior state approval.
Total investment for the subsidiary’s establishment will reach $30 million, funded by Controp’s equity and owner loans. An Israeli citizen will serve as CEO, ensuring control and oversight remain with the headquarters in Israel.
Abraham Accords Relevance
The establishment of Controp’s UAE arm highlights the continuing expansion of Israel–UAE defense cooperation under the Abraham Accords, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the Emirates and Bahrain.
Since the signing in 2020, a number of Israeli and Emirati defense firms have entered into partnerships across advanced technologies.
EDGE Group, the UAE’s state-owned defense conglomerate, has collaborated with Israeli companies on drone countermeasures, radar systems, and electronic warfare solutions. In 2023, Israel Aerospace Industries signed a deal with EDGE to jointly develop autonomous systems and anti-drone technologies for regional clients.
Meanwhile, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has explored cooperative programs in air defense and cybersecurity, and Israeli companies such as Elbit Systems have participated in trade events in Abu Dhabi, including the International Defence Exhibition.
