United Arab Emirates intercepts 1,385 Iranian drones, MoD says

The United Arab Emirates’ air defences have intercepted 1,385 Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during ongoing attacks, with a total of 1,475 UAVs detected and 90 falling within the country’s territory, the Ministry of Defence said on March 10. 

On the same day, UAE air defences detected nine ballistic missiles, destroying eight while one fell into the sea. In total, 35 UAVs were detected, with 26 successfully intercepted, the ministry wrote in a statement on X, Caliber.Az reports.

UAE air defences intercept 8 ballistic missiles, 26 UAVs

UAE air defences on Tuesday detected 9 ballistic missiles, of which 8 were destroyed, while 1 missile fell into the sea. A total of 35 UAVs were also detected, with 26 intercepted, while 9 fell within the country’s… pic.twitter.com/LmLfqhCYAG

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 10, 2026

Since the start of the attacks attributed to Iran, UAE authorities say 262 ballistic missiles have been detected, of which 241 were destroyed, 19 fell into the sea, and two struck within UAE territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

The ongoing strikes have resulted in six deaths among Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals, and 122 people sustained minor to moderate injuries. The injured include nationals from more than 20 countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, and Palestine.

The Ministry of Defence emphasised that the UAE remains fully prepared to confront any threats, pledging a firm response to any actions that attempt to undermine the nation’s security, sovereignty, and stability.

By Sabina Mammadli