UAE Intercepts 57 Iranian Missiles & Drones in Major Air Defence Operation

The United Arab Emirates announced its air defence systems successfully intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran. The attacks resulted in the deaths of two UAE armed forces members, a Moroccan civilian contractor, and eight foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India. A total of 178 people from over two dozen countries were injured, ranging from minor to severe wounds. The UAE Ministry of Defence reiterated its full readiness to confront any future threats to national security and sovereignty.

Key Points: UAE Intercepts 20 Ballistic Missiles, 37 Drones from Iran

  • 20 ballistic missiles intercepted
  • 37 UAVs destroyed
  • 11 fatalities confirmed
  • 178 individuals injured
  • Defence ministry affirms readiness
2 min read

UAE air defences intercept 20 ballistic missiles, 37 UAVs amid Iran attacks

UAE air defences intercept 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs from Iran, with casualties reported among military and foreign civilians. Latest regional tensions.

"The UAE air defences systems... engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran. - UAE Ministry of Defence"

Abu Dhabi, March 28

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats, including 20 ballistic missiles and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles, launched from Iran.

According to an official statement shared by UAE Ministry of Defence, "The UAE air defences systems on 28th March 2026 engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran." The interception comes amid what authorities described as continued hostile actions targeting the country.

Providing a broader operational update, the Ministry stated, "Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 UAVs." The figures underline the scale and persistence of the aerial threats faced by the UAE in recent weeks.

The Ministry confirmed, "The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 8 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities."

In addition to the fatalities, a significant number of individuals sustained injuries.

"A total of 178 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe," the statement said.

The injured included nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the diverse expatriate population residing in the UAE. Among those affected were citizens of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated its readiness to respond to any future threats, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding national security. "The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities," the statement added.

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the UAE maintaining a high state of alert and continuing to strengthen its defensive measures against evolving aerial threats.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The sheer number of intercepted missiles and drones is staggering—398 ballistic missiles? This isn't a sporadic attack; it's a sustained campaign. The UAE's air defence tech seems incredibly effective, but the human cost is tragic.
P
Priyanka N
The list of injured nationals reads like a UN roll call. It shows how the UAE is truly a global workplace. My heart goes out to all the families, especially the workers from the subcontinent—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal. This conflict is hurting ordinary people just trying to earn a living.
A
Aman W
While we must condemn the attacks, a respectful criticism: The article mentions "blatant Iranian attacks" but provides no context on *why* this is happening. Understanding the geopolitical triggers is important for a complete picture, not just the defensive response.
V
Vikram M
The UAE is a major partner for India, both strategically and for millions of Indian jobs. Stability in the Gulf is directly linked to our national interests. Hope diplomacy prevails soon. This escalation helps no one.
K
Kiran H
The bravery of the UAE armed forces is commendable. To operate such complex defences under constant fire... salute to them. And a moment of silence for all the martyrs, including the civilian contractors from different nations. 🕊️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50