The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense systems intercepted multiple Iranian aerial threats on March 7, 2026, including 15 ballistic missiles and 119 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, 16 ballistic missiles were detected, with 15 successfully intercepted and destroyed, while one missile fell into the sea.
Air defense units also tracked 121 UAVs, intercepting 119 drones, while two drones landed within UAE territory. The announcement comes amid ongoing regional tensions and what the UAE described as continuing Iranian aggression targeting the country.
Since the beginning of the escalation, the UAE reported detecting 221 ballistic missiles, of which 205 were intercepted, 14 fell into the sea, and two landed inside UAE territory. In addition, 1,305 Iranian drones have been detected, with 1,229 intercepted and 76 drones falling within UAE territory. Air defense systems also detected and destroyed eight cruise missiles during the same period.
Authorities confirmed that the attacks resulted in three deaths involving foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, while 112 people suffered minor injuries. Those injured include individuals from several nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, and Turkish citizens.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that the country remains fully prepared to confront any threats, emphasizing that it will continue to protect national sovereignty, security, and stability against any attempts to undermine the state.
