UAE Ministry of Defense reports sweeping interceptions after Iranian attack

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defence said that the country’s air defense systems intercepted nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, and 148 drones launched by Iran in a large-scale attack on Monday. In a statement, the ministry said 174 ballistic missiles have been detected heading toward the UAE since the start of the assault. Of those, 161 were destroyed, and 13 fell into the sea. A total of 689 Iranian drones were also detected, with 645 intercepted and 44 landing inside the country, the ministry said. Eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed, though the interceptions caused some collateral damage, according to officials. The attacks resulted in three deaths and 68 people suffering minor injuries, the ministry said. > UAE’s air defenses successfully intercept 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles, 148 drones > > The Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE’s air defenses successfully intercepted today 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles, and 148 drones. > > The Ministry explained that since… pic.twitter.com/uF7B33F5qO > — وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 2, 2026 Authorities said loud explosions heard in various parts of the country were caused by air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets targeting drones and cruise missiles. The interceptions led to minor to moderate damage to a number of civilian properties, officials said.