US Middle East Commander General Frank McKenzie arrived in the United Arab Emirates Sunday for talks to bolster the Gulf state's defenses after missile attacks by Houthi fighters in Yemen.

In recent weeks, the Iran-backed Houthis have waged an unprecedented string of largely failed missiles strikes on UAE targets that have triggered Emirati and US air defenses and seen American troops briefly taking shelter.

McKenzie, who is head of Central Command, said he moved up his planned visit in response to the Houthi attacks, hoping to underscore the US commitment to UAE’s defense.

"I think it's a very worrisome time for UAE. They're looking for support. We're here to help them to provide that support," McKenzie told reporters.

The Pentagon has announced a US deployment of advanced F-22 fighter jets and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Cole, to partner with the UAE navy ahead of a port call in Abu Dhabi.

McKenzie said the F-22s would provide the UAE with "one of the best look-down radars in the world," capable of identifying targets including land attack cruise missiles and drones.

Washington accuses Tehran of supplying high-end weaponry to the Houthis.

"Medium range ballistic missiles that were fired from Yemen and entered UAE were not invented, built, designed in Yemen," McKenzie said. "All that happened somewhere else. So, I think we certainly see the Iranian connection to this."

Reporting by Reuters