March 16, 2026 – The UAE air defenses successfully intercepted and dealt with 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran, showcasing the nation’s robust defense systems and commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. This is according to an update shared from the official account of the Ministry of Defence in UAE.
الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية تتعامل مع 6 صواريخ باليستية و21 طائرة مسيّرة.
تعاملت الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية (16 مارس 2026) مع 6 صواريخ باليستية و21 طائرة مسيّرة قادمة من إيران.
ومنذ بدء الاعتداءات الإيرانية السافرة، تعاملت الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع 304 صاروخاً باليستياً، و15… pic.twitter.com/3sUkJnVjxe
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 16, 2026
Ongoing Threats from Iran
Since the onset of Iran’s aggressive attacks last February 28, 2026, the UAE has faced:
- 304 ballistic missiles
- 1,627 drones
- 15 cruise missiles
These relentless assaults have caused significant casualties and damage, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Casualties and Injuries
The attacks have tragically resulted in:
- Martyrdom of 2 Emirati armed members while performing their national duty.
- 5 civilian fatalities from the following nationalities:
- Pakistani
- Nepalese
- Bangladeshi
- Palestinian
- 145 injuries of varying severity (minor, moderate, and severe) among individuals of the following nationalities:
- Emirati
- Egyptian
- Sudanese
- Ethiopian
- Filipino
- Pakistani
- Iranian
- Indian
- Bangladeshi
- Sri Lankan
- Azerbaijani
- Yemeni
- Ugandan
- Eritrean
- Lebanese
- Afghan
- Bahraini
- Comorian
- Turkish
- Iraqi
- Nepalese
- Nigerian
- Omani
- Jordanian
- Palestinian
- Ghanaian
- Indonesian
- Swedish
UAE’s Commitment to Security
The UAE Ministry of Defense has reaffirmed its high alert status and readiness to address any threats. The Ministry emphasized its determination to:
- Firmly confront any attempts to destabilize the nation’s security.
- Preserve the UAE’s sovereignty, security, and stability.
- Protect the country’s interests and national capabilities.
The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and citizens amidst these ongoing challenges.