UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles, 17 drones in latest Iranian attack
Air defence systems destroy most projectiles detected during Monday’s aerial threats
DUBAI – The UAE’s air defence systems intercepted multiple aerial threats on Monday, destroying the majority of ballistic missiles and drones detected over the country’s airspace, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Authorities said 15 ballistic missiles were detected during the latest incident, with 12 successfully intercepted and destroyed by defence systems. Three missiles fell into the sea without causing damage.
Air defence units also detected 18 drones, of which 17 were intercepted, while one fell within the country’s territory. The ministry confirmed that monitoring and response operations remain ongoing as defence systems continue to track and neutralise incoming threats.
Iran attacks
The figures released on Monday form part of a broader series of attacks that have been detected since the start of Iranian aerial assaults targeting the UAE. Defence authorities said the country’s systems remain fully operational and have continued to intercept the majority of incoming projectiles.
UAE air defences intercept 12 ballistic missiles, 17 UAVs.
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 9, 2026
UAE air defences on Monday detected 15 ballistic missiles, of which 12 were destroyed, while 3 missiles fell into the sea. A total of 18 UAVs were also detected, with 17 intercepted, while 1 fell within the country’s… pic.twitter.com/7l2tjyclK5
According to the latest data, a total of 253 ballistic missiles have been detected since the attacks began. Of these, 233 were intercepted and destroyed, while 18 missiles fell into the sea. Two missiles landed within the country’s territory.
In addition to ballistic missiles, air defence systems have also been responding to a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Drone interceptions
The Ministry of Defence said 1,440 Iranian drones have been detected since the start of the attacks. Of these, 1,359 were intercepted by UAE defence systems, while 81 drones fell within the country’s territory.
Authorities also confirmed that eight cruise missiles were detected during the same period. All eight were successfully destroyed by air defence systems.
The figures illustrate the scale of the aerial threats faced by the country in recent days, with defence systems continuously deployed to track and neutralise projectiles approaching the nation’s airspace.
Casualties reported
Officials confirmed that the attacks have resulted in four deaths, involving nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
A further 117 people sustained minor injuries, according to the ministry. The injured include nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the diverse communities living and working in the UAE.
Those reported injured include citizens and residents from the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan and Palestine.
Authorities did not provide additional details on the locations where the injuries occurred but confirmed that medical treatment had been provided.
The Ministry of Defence said the UAE remains fully prepared to respond to any threats and continues to monitor the situation closely.
It added that defence forces stand ready to respond firmly to attempts that threaten the country’s security, stressing that protecting the nation’s sovereignty, stability and national capabilities remains a top priority.