UAE air defences intercept waves of missiles and UAVs launched by Iran amid regional conflict.
ABU DHABI: On 12 March 2026, the United Arab Emirates’ air defence systems successfully intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran, according to official military updates. These interceptions are part of ongoing defensive operations as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
Since the onset of what the UAE describes as Iranian aggression, Emirati air defences have engaged a large volume of incoming threats, including hundreds of missiles and drones aimed at the country.
The barrage has had spill‑over effects across the UAE, with missile debris striking buildings in Dubai and prompting heightened security alerts for civilians.
The attacks have resulted in six fatalities among Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals, and 131 minor to moderate injuries involving residents from 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, and Indonesia.
The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared to respond to any threats, stating it will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security while ensuring the protection of the UAE’s sovereignty, stability, and national interests.
