UAE shoots down 6 Iranian missiles, 21 drones in bold interception

On March 16, air defence systems of the United Arab Emirates intercepted six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran, the UAE Ministry of Defence reported on X.

UAE air defences engage 6 ballistic missiles, 21 UAVs

The UAE air defence systems on 16th March 2026 engaged 6 ballistic missiles and 21 UAVs launched from Iran.

Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise… pic.twitter.com/KXZDanZjVN

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 16, 2026

“Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,627 UAVs.

These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as 5 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities. A total of 145 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. 

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 post read.

By Jeyhun Aghazada