UAE neutralises 55 incoming threats amid ongoing Iranian aggression
Defence forces reaffirm readiness to counter threats and protect stability
ABU DHABI/DUBAI – UAE air defence systems intercepted a fresh wave of aerial threats on Tuesday, engaging 10 ballistic missiles and 45 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran.
The latest developments mark a continuation of heightened military activity in the region. Authorities confirmed the interceptions were carried out on Tuesday, as part of ongoing defensive operations.
The Ministry of Defence reported that the country’s air defence network has remained fully operational since the onset of what it described as blatant aggression.
UAE air defences engage 10 ballistic missiles, 45 UAVs
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 17, 2026
The UAE air defence systems on 17th March 2026 engaged 10 ballistic missiles and 45 UAVs launched from Iran.
Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise… pic.twitter.com/87tutcctGI
Rising toll
Since the escalation began, UAE air defences have engaged a total of 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,672 UAVs. The continued interceptions highlight the scale and persistence of the incoming threats over recent weeks.
The attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while carrying out national duty. Civilian casualties have also been reported, with six fatalities involving individuals of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities.
A total of 157 people have been injured, with cases ranging from minor to severe. The injured represent a wide range of nationalities, including citizens and residents from the UAE and countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Additional affected nationalities include Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.
The Ministry of Defence reiterated that it remains fully prepared to address any emerging threats. It affirmed that measures are in place to counter attempts to undermine national security while ensuring the protection of sovereignty, stability and critical capabilities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as air defence systems maintain readiness to respond to further developments.