UAE air defences intercept massive Iranian drone, missile assault

On March 13, the United Arab Emirates’ air defence systems intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran.

The UAE Ministry of Defence announced on X that, since the start of overt aggression by Iran, air defences have intercepted 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,567 drones, Caliber.Az reports.

UAE air defences engage 7 ballistic missiles, 27 UAVs

The UAE air defence systems on 13th March engaged 7 ballistic missiles and 27 UAVs launched from Iran.

Since the onsets of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise… pic.twitter.com/d88YqOp45w

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 13, 2026

“These attacks have resulted in 6 fatalities of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals, and 141 minor to moderate injuries among nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden. 

The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats, and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry’s statement read.

By Jeyhun Aghazada