UAE intercepts seven Iranian ballistic missiles and 16 drones

Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates successfully intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 16 drones launched from Iran since early Monday morning, the country’s Ministry of Defence announced.

In a statement issued on X and carried by state media, the UAE Defence Ministry said its air-defence systems engaged the incoming threats as part of ongoing defensive operations against what it described as “blatant Iranian aggression.”

All projectiles were neutralised before reaching their targets, officials confirmed, with no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from this specific wave.

“The UAE air defences intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 16 drones launched from Iran since morning. The sounds heard across the country are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones,” said the Ministry’s official statement.

Monday’s attack marks the latest in a series of Iranian retaliatory strikes on Gulf states since the US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28. Tehran has repeatedly targeted UAE territory in response to the presence of American military facilities in the country, including Al Dhafra Air Base, which supports US operations in the region. Iranian officials have framed the assaults as legitimate self-defence, while the UAE and its Arab neighbours have condemned them as unprovoked violations of sovereignty.

Since the conflict erupted, UAE air defences have intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones — with cumulative figures now exceeding 340 ballistic missiles and more than 1,700 drones, according to earlier Defence Ministry tallies. Monday’s successful interceptions demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the country’s layered missile-defence network, which includes US-supplied Patriot systems and other advanced platforms.

The latest barrage comes just days after the United States quietly approved a $7 billion arms package for the UAE, including additional Patriot batteries and precision munitions. Emirati officials have welcomed the support as vital for protecting critical energy infrastructure and civilian populations amid escalating Iranian threats.

Despite the repeated attacks, the UAE has consistently stressed that it is not a party to the US-Israeli military campaign and has joined regional calls — including from Oman and Jordan — for an immediate de-escalation and return to diplomacy. Monday’s Defence Ministry statement reiterated the country’s right to self-defence while emphasising its commitment to regional stability.

The interceptions triggered air-raid sirens and loud explosions audible in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, briefly disrupting morning routines but causing no major flight cancellations or infrastructure outages. Civil-defence authorities urged residents to remain indoors and follow official alerts during active defence operations.