UAE intercepts more than 180 missiles since Iran launched retaliatory strikes

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has intercepted more than 180 ballistic missiles since Iran launched retaliatory strikes against several Gulf states after being attacked by the United States and Israel, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence. In a press conference, Brigadier General Abdulnasir Alhameedi, the ministry’s spokesperson, stressed that the UAE remains at the highest level of operational readiness to counter potential threats. ‘Since the outset of Iran’s attack, UAE air defence has engaged 186 ballistic missiles, with 172 missiles destroyed, while 13 missiles fell into the sea and one fell inside UAE territory,’ authorities said, as quoted by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Jakarta on Thursday. Much of the impact recorded thus far resulted from interceptor operations rather than direct strikes, he said. Alhameedi noted that the UAE Armed Forces operate a multi-layered, integrated air defence system capable of countering a range of air threats. ‘The UAE also maintains a strategic ammunition stockpile sufficient to ensure the sustainability of defence operations over the long term, thereby keeping combat readiness and national security intact,’ he added. The defence system has been effective in intercepting ballistic missiles in a timely manner, significantly reducing potential scale of damage and preventing loss of life and property. Nevertheless, the UAE Ministry of Defence acknowledged that interceptor and air defence operations have produced sonic booms heard across various regions of the country. The UAE Armed Forces continue to monitor developments across land, sea and air, and the General Command remains committed to strengthening defence systems, early warning systems, and an integrated command structure to ensure rapid and accurate responses to any potential threat. The UAE Ministry of Defence also urged all residents to follow official directions from authorities and stressed the importance of obtaining information only from official sources. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes against several targets in Iran, including Tehran, with reports of damage and civilian casualties. Iranian state television confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. Iran then launched ballistic missile strikes in retaliation against Israel and US military facilities in several Gulf states, including the UAE.