ABU DHABI, UAE- The UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its air force and air defence forces have intercepted a significant number of Iranian weapons since the start of the attacks on February 28.
According to the ministry, 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 Iranian drones have been detected. Of these, 152 ballistic missiles were destroyed, two cruise missiles were neutralized, and 506 drones were intercepted.
Some missiles and drones fell into the sea, while 21 drones struck civilian targets.
On the morning of the second day of the attacks, the UAE air forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, eight missiles fell into the sea, two cruise missiles were destroyed, and 311 drones were intercepted.
Despite these efforts, 35 drones struck within the country, causing material damage and resulting in three fatalities, a Pakistani, a Nepali, and a Bangladeshi national, and 58 minor injuries among residents and foreign nationals, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, and Afghan citizens.
The ministry also noted that some debris from intercepted missiles and drones caused minor to moderate damage to civilian properties across the UAE.
“The UAE air force and air defence forces remain fully capable of addressing all threats,” the ministry said. “The safety of citizens, residents, and visitors is our top priority and will not be compromised.”
The ongoing attacks reflect rising tensions in the region following the recent military escalation between Iran and U.S.-led forces, highlighting the UAE’s role in safeguarding its airspace and population.
