UAE Air Defense Intercepts 4 Ballistic Missiles and 6 Drones Amid Rising Regional Tensions

ABU DHABI, UAE — March 15, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence successfully intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles and six explosive-laden drones launched toward the country from Iran today.

This latest escalation brings the total number of intercepted threats since the beginning of recent hostilities to 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,606 drones.

While the defense systems prevented large-scale destruction, the Ministry reported that previous aggregate attacks have tragically resulted in the deaths of six individuals of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationalities.

Additionally, 142 residents from various backgrounds—including India, Egypt, Sudan, and the Philippines—have sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Reaffirming its “high state of readiness,” the Ministry of Defence declared its firm resolve to confront any threats to the nation’s sovereignty and vowed to protect the security and stability of the UAE’s citizens, residents, and national assets with the utmost decisiveness.