UAE downs 3 ballistic missiles, 8 drones amid ongoing attacks
Authorities reaffirm readiness to safeguard national security
ABU DHABI – The UAE’s air defence systems on Saturday engaged three ballistic missiles and eight UAVs launched from Iran, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
The latest interceptions come amid continued aerial threats targeting the Gulf country, with authorities confirming heightened readiness across all defence units.
Officials said the systems responded swiftly and effectively, preventing potential damage and maintaining national security. The ministry continues to provide daily updates as the situation evolves.
Iranian aggression
Since the onset of what officials described as blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged a total of 341 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,748 UAVs. The figures reflect the scale and frequency of attacks over the course of the conflict, with defence systems operating at sustained capacity to counter incoming threats.
الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية تتعامل مع الصواريخ الباليستية والجوالة والمسيرات الإيرانية.
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 21, 2026
UAE Air Defences engaged Iranian
Ballistic and Cruise Missiles and UAVs Attacks#وزارة_الدفاع #وزارة_الدفاع_الإماراتية#MOD#UAEMinistryOfDefence pic.twitter.com/1JnsKhK5j0
The Ministry of Defence stated that operations remain precise and coordinated, ensuring that aerial targets are neutralised promptly. Authorities have not indicated any damage resulting from the latest interceptions, underscoring the effectiveness of current defence mechanisms.
The ongoing attacks have resulted in eight fatalities, including two members of the armed forces who were martyred while performing their national duty. The remaining victims include individuals of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities.
A total of 160 people have been injured, with cases ranging from minor to severe. The injured include nationals from a wide range of countries, including 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 and Tunisia.
In its statement, the Ministry of Defence reaffirmed that it remains fully prepared to address any threats. It emphasised that all necessary measures are in place to counter attempts to undermine the country’s security, while ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, stability and national interests.