ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates on Monday said its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones launched during an Iranian attack, preventing wider destruction but leaving three people dead and dozens injured.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence announced that air defences intercepted nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and 148 drones on the latest day of attacks.
The ministry said that since the beginning of the Iranian assault, 174 ballistic missiles were detected heading toward the country, of which 161 were destroyed while 13 fell into the sea.
UAE’s air defenses successfully intercept 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles, 148 drones
The Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE’s air defenses successfully intercepted today 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles, and 148 drones.
The Ministry explained that since… pic.twitter.com/uF7B33F5qO
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 2, 2026
It added that a total of 689 drones were identified, with 645 intercepted and 44 landing within UAE territory.
Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.
According to the statement, the interceptions resulted in minor to moderate material damage to several civilian properties.
The incidents led to three fatalities and 68 minor injuries.
The ministry clarified that the sounds heard across various parts of the country were caused by air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, as well as fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles.
Authorities reaffirmed their readiness to defend the nation’s airspace and protect civilian lives and infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia and six regional countries reiterated their right to self-defence in response to the Iranian attacks following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a joint statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the United States denounced the indiscriminate and reckless strikes by Iran.
