UAE air defences intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones in a major Iranian attack wave, as Gulf states strengthen defences amid escalating regional conflict.
Air defence systems in the United Arab Emirates have intercepted a large barrage of ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran, as tensions across the Gulf continue to escalate amid the widening regional conflict.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the country’s air defence network detected 16 ballistic missiles on Saturday, March 7. Of these, 15 were successfully intercepted and destroyed, while one missile fell into the sea without causing damage.
Authorities also detected 121 drones heading towards the UAE during the same period. Air defence units shot down 119 of them, while two drones fell within UAE territory.
The interceptions are part of a broader series of aerial attacks that have taken place since the start of the conflict triggered by Iran’s escalating confrontation with the United States and its allies in the region.
Hundreds of missiles and drones intercepted
Officials said the latest incident adds to a growing tally of aerial threats faced by the country in recent days.
Since the start of what the UAE has described as Iranian aggression, air defence systems have detected a total of 221 ballistic missiles. Of these, 205 were intercepted and destroyed, 14 fell into the sea and two landed within the UAE.
In addition, authorities recorded 1,305 drones launched towards the country during the conflict. Defence systems intercepted 1,229 of these drones, while 76 fell within UAE territory.
Military officials also confirmed that eight cruise missiles were detected and successfully destroyed during the same period.
Despite the large scale of the attacks, the majority of the incoming weapons were neutralised before reaching populated areas or key infrastructure.
However, officials confirmed that the attacks have resulted in casualties.
Three foreign nationals — from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh — were killed during the incidents, while 112 people sustained minor injuries.
Those injured included residents of multiple nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population. Authorities said those affected include individuals from the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros and Turkey.
The Ministry of Defence said the armed forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to further threats.
Officials emphasised that the country would firmly confront any attempt to undermine its security or stability, while continuing to protect national sovereignty and critical infrastructure.
Saudi intercepts missiles aimed at air base
Elsewhere in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards a key military facility.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed that the missiles were successfully destroyed before reaching their target.
According to Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defence, the projectiles were aimed at the strategically important Prince Sultan Air Base.
Air defence systems intercepted and destroyed both missiles, preventing damage to the facility.
UAE condemns attack targeting Bahrain
Meanwhile, the UAE has also condemned what it described as an unprovoked Iranian attack targeting facilities in Bahrain that house personnel from the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.
According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the buildings targeted were used by Qatari personnel participating in the Unified Naval Operations Centre under the joint military command of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The ministry said the strike represented a clear violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty and posed a serious threat to regional stability.
In its statement, the UAE expressed full solidarity with Bahrain and Qatar and reaffirmed its support for measures aimed at protecting the security of GCC member states and other partner countries.
Officials also called for an immediate halt to the escalation and urged all parties to adhere to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
