UAE air defences intercept missiles and drones

March 09, 2026 / 7:55 PM

Sharjah24: The UAE’s air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones on 9 March 2026. A total of 15 ballistic missiles were detected, of which 12 were destroyed, while three fell into the sea. Air defences also detected 18 drones, intercepting 17 of them, while one drone fell within the country’s territory.

Cumulative figures since start of attacks

Since the start of what authorities described as the Iranian aggression, a total of 253 ballistic missiles have been detected, with 233 destroyed. Eighteen missiles fell into the sea, while two landed within the UAE. Air defence systems also detected 1,440 Iranian drones, intercepting 1,359 of them, while 81 drones fell inside the country. In addition, eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.

Casualties and injuries

The attacks resulted in four deaths involving Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals. A total of 117 people sustained minor injuries from various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepali, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian and Palestinian nationals.

Defence Ministry statement

The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to respond to any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, stability, national interests and capabilities.