UAE shoots down eight ballistic missiles, 26 drones in latest Iranian aggression
Defence systems respond swiftly as projectiles detected across national airspace
ABU DHABI – Air defence systems in the United Arab Emirates successfully intercepted a series of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles during a new wave of attacks on Tuesday, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.
The interceptions formed part of a broader defensive response to ongoing hostilities involving Iran.
Officials confirmed that several incoming projectiles were neutralised before reaching their intended targets. The ministry also released updated figures outlining the scale of aerial threats detected since the beginning of the attacks.
UAE air defences intercept 8 ballistic missiles, 26 UAVs
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 10, 2026
UAE air defences on Tuesday detected 9 ballistic missiles, of which 8 were destroyed, while 1 missile fell into the sea. A total of 35 UAVs were also detected, with 26 intercepted, while 9 fell within the country’s… pic.twitter.com/LmLfqhCYAG
Authorities stressed that the country’s defence forces remain fully prepared to counter any further threats while maintaining vigilance to safeguard national security and stability.
Latest attack
According to the Ministry of Defence, UAE air defences detected nine ballistic missiles during the latest incident on Tuesday afternoon. Eight of those missiles were successfully destroyed by defence systems, while the remaining missile fell into the sea.
Air defence systems also tracked a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles during the same period. A total of 35 UAVs were detected, with 26 intercepted before reaching their targets. Nine UAVs ultimately fell within the country’s territory.
Officials did not disclose the exact locations where the debris or remaining projectiles landed but confirmed that defence units responded rapidly once the threats were identified in national airspace.
The ministry also provided cumulative figures detailing the scale of attacks since the beginning of what it described as Iranian aggression against the UAE.
Since the onset of the attacks, a total of 262 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of those, 241 missiles were destroyed by air defence systems, while 19 fell into the sea and two landed within the country’s territory.
Iranian drone activity has also been extensive. Authorities reported that 1,475 unmanned aerial vehicles have been detected since the escalation began. UAE defence systems successfully intercepted 1,385 drones, while 90 UAVs fell within the country’s territory.
In addition to ballistic missiles and drones, air defence units also detected eight cruise missiles, all of which were destroyed before they could reach their targets.
The figures illustrate the significant scale of aerial threats handled by UAE defence systems during the ongoing crisis.
Casualties reported
Despite the high interception rate achieved by air defence systems, the attacks have resulted in casualties.
Authorities confirmed that six people have been killed during the incidents. The victims included nationals from the UAE, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. A total of 122 people sustained injuries, most of which were described as moderate to minor. The injured represent a wide range of nationalities reflecting the UAE’s diverse population.
According to official figures, those 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.
Emergency services and medical teams were deployed to treat the injured and respond to the impact of falling debris or projectiles.
Defence readiness
The Ministry of Defence reiterated that the armed forces remain fully prepared to address any further threats targeting the country.
Officials stressed that defence systems continue to monitor the airspace around the UAE and that security forces are ready to respond decisively to any attempts that could undermine the nation’s safety.
The ministry stated that protecting the country’s sovereignty, security and stability remains a top priority, while emphasising the commitment of defence forces to safeguard the state’s national interests and strategic capabilities.