UAE authorities confirmed UAE air defence interceptions of ballistic missiles and drones during Iranian attacks, with most threats destroyed before reaching the country.
ABU DHABI: The UAE confirmed extensive UAE air defence interceptions after detecting ballistic missiles and drones launched during recent Iranian attacks targeting the country.
According to official figures released on Sunday, air defence systems detected 17 ballistic missiles during the latest incident. Of these, 16 were successfully destroyed while one missile fell into the sea without causing damage.
Authorities also detected 117 drones, with 113 intercepted by defence systems. Four drones fell within the UAE’s territory, officials said.
Since the start of the escalation, a total of 238 ballistic missiles have been detected. Defence systems carried out repeated UAE air defence interceptions, destroying 221 of them, while 15 missiles fell into the sea and two landed within the country.
Officials also reported the detection of 1,422 drones launched towards the UAE. Of these, 1,342 were intercepted, while 80 fell inside the country’s territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed during the attacks.
The incidents resulted in four fatalities among expatriate residents from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Authorities said 112 people sustained moderate to minor injuries.
Those injured included nationals from several countries including the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros and Türkiye.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the armed forces remain fully prepared to respond to any threats against the country.
Officials emphasised that the continued UAE air defence interceptions demonstrate the nation’s advanced defence capabilities and high operational readiness to protect the country’s security and stability.
The ministry reaffirmed that it will respond firmly to any attempts that threaten the UAE’s sovereignty, national interests and public safety.
