ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said it successfully intercepted the vast majority of missiles and drones launched by Iran during a large-scale attack, highlighting the effectiveness of its air defence systems.
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A spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that Iran fired 186 missiles toward the country. Of these, 172 were intercepted, 13 fell into the sea, and only one struck UAE territory. The spokesperson also noted that 812 Iranian drones were detected, with 755 destroyed by defence forces.
BREAKING: Satellite imagery shows an Iranian ballistic missile struck the AN/FPS-132 phased array radar at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
If the damage is as severe as the imagery suggests, Iran just destroyed a $1.1 billion piece of equipment that took years to build and cannot be… pic.twitter.com/fsblmHMncP
— Shanaka Anslem Perera ⚡ (@shanaka86) March 4, 2026
Despite the interceptions, the attacks resulted in three fatalities and 68 injuries, with damage reported to several civilian areas. Authorities emphasized that emergency response measures have been accelerated across the country and that the UAE has sufficient defensive stockpiles to counter aerial threats for an extended period.
The ministry described the successful interceptions as evidence of the UAE’s advanced military capabilities, noting that neutralizing such missile and drone threats is generally considered extremely challenging. “Stopping these missiles and drones demonstrates the effectiveness of our defence systems and the readiness of our armed forces,” the spokesperson said. Debris from intercepted missiles was displayed during the briefing as proof of the defensive operations.
While affirming its readiness to defend sovereignty, the UAE called for de-escalation in the region. Officials stressed that the country does not seek an expansion of the conflict and believes military solutions alone cannot resolve the crisis. “We believe that dialogue and diplomatic engagement are the best ways to resolve disputes,” the spokesperson added.
Read More: UAE destroys 161 of 174 Iranian missiles, 13 hit sea
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following Iranian missile and drone strikes in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli military operations in the region. The UAE’s swift defensive response has been highlighted as a demonstration of both preparedness and restraint.