UAE Air Defenses Intercept Dozens of Missiles and Drones Amid Ongoing Iran Tensions

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted a new wave of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran, as regional tensions continue to escalate.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry confirmed that on Thursday, UAE air defenses engaged and neutralized 19 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs targeting the country.

The latest interceptions come amid a broader campaign of what Emirati officials describe as “blatant Iranian attacks.” Since the onset of hostilities, UAE defense systems have reportedly intercepted a total of 457 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2,038 UAVs.

The sustained attacks highlight the intensifying security challenges facing the Gulf region, as military exchanges between Iran and its adversaries risk widening into a broader conflict.

Despite the high interception rate, the Ministry of Defense confirmed casualties resulting from the attacks. Two members of the UAE Armed Forces were killed while performing their national duty. Additionally, a Moroccan civilian contractor working with the armed forces lost his life.

Nine other fatalities were reported among foreign nationals, including individuals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India.

A total of 191 people were injured, with conditions ranging from minor to severe. The injured represent a wide range of nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population, including citizens and expatriates from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

The Ministry of Defense reaffirmed that it remains on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any further threats. It stressed that the UAE will continue to take firm action to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as protect its national interests and infrastructure.

The developments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and several regional and international actors, including the United States and Israel. In recent weeks, the region has witnessed an uptick in missile and drone exchanges, raising concerns over the security of critical infrastructure and global energy routes.

The UAE, a key economic and logistical hub in the Gulf, has increasingly invested in advanced air defense systems in recent years to counter evolving aerial threats, particularly from ballistic missiles and drone warfare.