UAE Claims to Have Intercepted More Than 180 Iranian Missiles Since the Conflict Intensified

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) intercepted more than 180 ballistic missiles since Iran launched retaliatory strikes against several Gulf states after being attacked by the United States and Israel. In a press briefing, Brigadier General Pilot Abdulnasir Alhameedi, spokesman for the UAE Ministry of Defence, stressed that the country remained at the highest level of operational readiness to meet potential threats.

“Since the outset of Iran’s attack, UAE air defence has engaged 186 ballistic missiles, of which 172 missiles were destroyed, 13 missiles fell into the sea and one missile fell within UAE territory,” UAE authorities said, as quoted by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Jakarta, on Thursday (5 March 2026).

He explained that most of the recorded impacts were the result of interception operations, not direct attacks.

Alhameedi said the UAE Armed Forces operate a layered, integrated air defence system able to counter a range of air threats.

“The UAE also has strategic ammunition reserves sufficient to ensure the sustainability of defence operations over the long term, thereby maintaining combat readiness and national security,” he added.

According to him, the defence system’s interceptions were timely, significantly reducing potential damage and preventing loss of life and property.

Nevertheless, the UAE Ministry of Defence acknowledged that the interception and air defence operations produced sonic booms audible across various parts of the country.

The UAE Armed Forces continue to monitor developments across land, sea and air domains. The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces also confirms strengthening the defence system, early warning systems, and an integrated command structure to ensure a rapid response to any potential threat.