The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated the strength of its air defence systems after intercepting a wave of missiles and drones launched by Iran, releasing dramatic footage of the mid-air interceptions as tensions across West Asia continue to escalate.
On Sunday (March 8), the UAE’s Ministry of Defense said its forces successfully neutralised 16 ballistic missiles and 113 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a large barrage directed toward the country. The ministry also released black-and-white footage showing an Iranian drone being tracked and destroyed by air defence systems, highlighting the country’s readiness to defend its territory amid the growing regional conflict.
According to UAE authorities, air defence systems detected 17 ballistic missiles during a single operation. Of these, 16 were successfully intercepted while one fell harmlessly into the sea. At the same time, radar systems detected 117 drones approaching UAE airspace. Defence forces shot down 113 of them, while four landed in remote areas without causing significant damage.
A 40-second video released by the Ministry captured the precise moment an Iranian drone was intercepted mid-flight. The footage shows the UAV being locked onto by air defence systems before exploding in flames in the night sky.
Officials said the interceptions reflect the UAE’s heightened alert status as Iran intensifies retaliatory strikes across the region following joint military operations by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran.
The UAE also revealed the cumulative scale of Iranian attacks since hostilities escalated in late February. According to official figures, Iran has launched 238 ballistic missiles toward UAE territory. Of these, 221 were intercepted, while 15 crashed into the sea and two struck inland areas.
Air defence units also detected 1,422 Iranian drones during the same period. The majority — 1,342 UAVs — were successfully destroyed by defence systems, while 80 managed to reach domestic areas. In addition, eight cruise missiles fired during the conflict were intercepted by UAE forces.
Authorities said the sustained interceptions highlight the country’s defensive capabilities and its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, cities and civilian populations from repeated aerial threats.
Amid the ongoing security situation, UAE authorities issued strict warnings against unauthorised photography or videography near missile impact sites, airports, military facilities and designated no-fly zones. Officials warned that violators could face severe penalties, stressing that such actions could endanger public safety and national security.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi issued an advisory to the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE, urging residents to strictly follow safety protocols.
The embassy advised people to immediately take shelter if air raid sirens sound, avoid filming explosions or missile interceptions, and promptly report any shrapnel or suspicious objects to authorities.
With nearly one crore Indians living across Gulf countries, diplomatic missions are closely monitoring the evolving situation while coordinating efforts to assist citizens who may be affected by the conflict.
As the war across West Asia continues to intensify, the UAE’s latest defensive operations underline both the scale of the aerial threats and the country’s determination to secure its skies against an increasingly volatile regional backdrop.
Leave Your Comment