UAE air defences intercept 79 aerial threats in fresh wave of Iranian attacks
Defence ministry reiterates readiness to protect sovereignty and stability
DUBAI – The UAE’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that national air defence systems successfully intercepted a fresh wave of aerial threats on Saturday, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
A total of 23 ballistic missiles and 56 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran were engaged during the latest incident. Authorities stated that the interception operations were carried out with precision, reflecting the country’s ongoing preparedness to counter multiple forms of aerial threats.
The announcement comes amid continued monitoring of regional security developments and follows a series of similar engagements in recent weeks.
According to official figures, a total of 79 aerial threats – combining both ballistic missiles and UAVs – were intercepted on Saturday. Defence systems were activated promptly to neutralise the incoming projectiles, preventing further escalation and mitigating potential damage.
The Ministry of Defence has not indicated specific locations targeted during the latest attack but confirmed that response mechanisms operated in line with established protocols.
Since the onset of what authorities described as blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged a cumulative total of 498 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2,141 UAVs. These figures highlight the scale and frequency of the threats faced over the period.
The attacks have resulted in multiple casualties. Two members of the UAE Armed Forces were killed while performing their national duty. In addition, a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces was also reported among the fatalities.
Authorities confirmed that a further 10 individuals lost their lives, representing a range of nationalities including Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, Egyptian and Indian citizens.
A total of 217 people have been injured in the attacks, with cases ranging from minor to severe. The injured include nationals from a wide array of countries, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population. Among them are citizens of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden, Tunisia, Morocco and Russia.
The Ministry of Defence reiterated that it remains fully prepared to respond to any threats targeting the country. Officials emphasised that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard national security and maintain stability.
The statement stressed that the armed forces are committed to confronting any actions that could undermine the UAE’s sovereignty. It further highlighted the role of advanced defence systems in ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and the safety of residents across the country.