Dubai: The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the country’s air defence network intercepted and neutralised a large number of missiles and drones launched toward the United Arab Emirates amid escalating regional tensions.
In an official statement, the ministry said the UAE Air Force and Air Defence Forces detected 137 ballistic missiles since the beginning of the Iranian assault. Of these, 132 were successfully shot down, while five landed in the sea without causing reported harm. Authorities also tracked 209 drones directed at Emirati territory, intercepting 195 of them. The remaining 14 fell in various land and maritime areas, resulting in limited material damage.
Officials noted that debris from intercepted projectiles fell in scattered locations, leading to minor property damage in some civilian areas. No major casualties were reported in the statement. Emergency teams were swiftly deployed to secure impacted sites and implement established safety protocols.
The ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling it a serious escalation and a breach of national sovereignty and international law. It asserted that the UAE retains the right to respond and take appropriate measures to safeguard its territory and residents.
Reaffirming the country’s defensive readiness, the ministry said its systems remain fully operational and capable of addressing diverse aerial threats. It also urged the public to rely solely on verified information from official channels and to refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports.
The developments come against the backdrop of intensifying hostilities in the region, prompting heightened security vigilance across the Gulf.
