UAE Air Defense Thwarts Massive Iranian Aerial Assault: Ministry Reports Interception of 165 Missiles and 541 Drones

ABU DHABI, March 01, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that its Air Force and Air Defense systems successfully countered a large-scale Iranian military offensive beginning February 28, 2026.

Since the onset of the hostilities, the UAE has monitored and engaged a total of 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 Iranian drones launched toward the state. On the second morning of the attack alone, UAE forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 311 drones, while an additional eight ballistic missiles fell into the sea.

Overall, the Ministry confirmed the successful destruction of 152 ballistic missiles and the interception of 506 drones, demonstrating the high-level readiness of the nation’s defense infrastructure to neutralize sophisticated aerial threats.

Despite the high interception rate, the Ministry reported that 35 drones and some ballistic missile debris fell within UAE territory, resulting in material damage to civilian property and several casualties.

Tragically, the attacks led to three fatalities among Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals, and caused 58 minor injuries affecting individuals of various nationalities, including Emiratis, Egyptians, Indians, and Filipinos, among others.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains its absolute priority and reaffirmed that the armed forces remain at the highest state of alert to handle any further threats.

Authorities have urged the public to rely exclusively on official government sources for information and to avoid spreading unverified rumors during this critical period.