UAE Air Defenses Intercept Over 1,500 Drones and 268 Missiles Amid Iranian Strikes

StudioX News | March 12, 2026

The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that its air defense systems have intercepted a staggering total of 268 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,514 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since Iran began launching retaliatory strikes on February 28. The figures, released by the UAE Ministry of Defence on March 11, underscore the scale of the ongoing missile and drone barrage targeting Gulf states.

Ongoing Iranian Barrage

The attacks are part of a broader regional escalation following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes inside Iran on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 1,000 others. In response, Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones at countries hosting U.S. military assets, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Across the UAE, air defense units have been on continuous alert, with the Ministry reporting interception rates of roughly 94 percent against UAVs and about 92 percent against missiles since the campaign began.

Casualties and Civilian Impact

Despite the high interception success, the strikes have caused civilian casualties and damage. The UAE says six people have been killed—of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities—while more than 130 others have suffered minor to moderate injuries, representing nationals of over 25 countries including Egypt, India, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.

Residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have reported missile‑alert sirens, loud explosions, and falling debris from intercepted projectiles. Mobile alerts distributed to Dubai users on March 11 warned of incoming missile threats and instructed people to seek shelter indoors.

South Korean System Enters Combat

Among the systems credited with the robust performance is the South Korean‑built Cheongung‑II “L‑SAMD” air defense system, which is seeing its first combat deployment. Two Cheongung‑II batteries, acquired by the UAE in 2022, are reported to have achieved around a 96 percent interception rate, operating alongside U.S. Patriot batteries.

Following the system’s performance, the UAE has requested an emergency delivery of more than 30 additional Cheongung‑II interceptors, with Seoul expediting production and shipment. A UAE C‑17 transport aircraft has been dispatched to South Korea’s Daegu Airport to facilitate the transfer.

Military and Regional Response

The UAE Ministry of Defence has reiterated that its armed forces remain on high alert and are “fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats,” vowing to “firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security.”

Across the Gulf, other countries have also reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia confirming civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, including at a water desalination plant and near oil facilities.

StudioX News will continue to follow the evolving security situation in the Gulf and provide updates on defense operations and regional developments.