UAE intercepts 161 Iranian ballistic missiles since escalation 13 fall into sea

The United Arab Emirates’ air defense forces have destroyed more than 160 ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory since the escalation in the region began.

The figures were released by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media outlets.

“The country’s air defence systems detected 174 ballistic missiles launched by Iran,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that 161 missiles were intercepted within UAE airspace, while 13 fell into the sea.

On 28 February 2026, military tensions in the Middle East sharply escalated into one of the most serious confrontations in years after a coordinated military offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran, marking a major expansion of hostilities between the countries.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and armed drones across the region, targeting Israeli territory, U.S. bases in Gulf states, and infrastructure in neighbouring countries. Regional governments—including those of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and others—reported missile and drone attacks on civilian and military sites, leading to casualties and property damage.

The missile exchange has continued into March 2. 

By Khagan Isayev