UAE Intercepts 11 Missiles, 123 Drones

The United Arab Emirates said on March 3 that its air defense systems intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones in a single day, underscoring the scale and persistence of incoming fire. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that one missile landed within UAE territory but caused no human casualties. The announcement forms part of a broader tally the ministry attributes to what it described as “the blatant Iranian aggression.”

According to the MoD, since the beginning of the confrontation, 186 ballistic missiles have been detected as launched toward the UAE. Of these, 172 were destroyed, 13 fell into the sea, and one landed on land. In parallel, 812 Iranian drones were detected, with 755 intercepted and 57 falling within the country. The ministry also reported that eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed. These figures, presented as cumulative totals, frame the March 3 interceptions within a sustained campaign rather than an isolated strike.

The ministry “strongly condemned the military targeting,” calling it “blatant aggression and a grave violation of national sovereignty and international law.” It confirmed that the sounds heard across multiple areas were the result of interceptions by air defense systems against ballistic missiles, as well as fighter jets targeting drones and cruise missiles. The operations led to “minor to moderate material damage” to a number of civilian facilities.

Despite the high interception rates—172 of 186 ballistic missiles and 755 of 812 drones—the human toll was not zero. The attacks resulted in three fatalities, identified as Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 68 minor injuries. Those injured included Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals. The ministry did not specify the precise dates of the casualties within the broader campaign.

The MoD affirmed that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents.” It added that it is taking “all necessary measures to firmly counter any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability,” emphasizing that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors “remains a top priority that will not be compromised.”