UPDATE: The UAE Ministry of Defence announced late on March 5, 2026 that its air defence systems detected seven ballistic missiles, intercepting and destroying six of them, while one ballistic missile fell inside the country. The Ministry added that air defences also detected 131 drones, intercepting 125 of them, while six fell within the UAE territory. The story below was written prior to this update.
More than 1,100 missiles and drones have been launched at the UAE since February 28, with the country’s air defence systems intercepting the overwhelming majority, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Defence.
Data published on March 4 shows that Iranian forces fired 941 drones, 189 ballistic missiles and eight cruise missiles toward the UAE during the first five days of the escalation.
The UAE’s air defence network intercepted most of the incoming threats
A total of 876 drones, 175 ballistic missiles and all eight cruise missiles were destroyed, officials said.
A small number reached UAE territory. Sixty-five drones and one ballistic missile impacted inside the country, while 13 ballistic missiles fell into the sea, according to the ministry.
The figures underline the scale and the role of the UAE’s layered air defence systems, which include THAAD and Patriot missile defence platforms designed to intercept threats at multiple altitudes.
Interceptions across the Gulf
The missile and drone campaign has not been limited to the UAE, with several Gulf countries reporting interceptions as regional air defence systems respond.
- Kuwait said its air defences have shot down at least 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since the attacks began.
- Bahrain’s Ministry of Defence said 74 missiles and 117 drones have been destroyed.
- Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reported detecting 3 cruise missiles, 101 ballistic missiles, 39 drones and two SU-24 fighter aircraft since the start of the attacks. Of those, 3 cruise missiles, 98 ballistic missiles, 24 drones and both aircraft were intercepted, according to official figures released up to early March 3.
- Saudi Arabia has also reported interceptions. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence said nine drones were destroyed after entering Saudi airspace, while two cruise missiles were intercepted in Al Kharj Governorate, according to a statement by ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al Maliki.
The figures come as the conflict involving Iran enters its sixth day, following attacks launched by US and Israeli forces on February 28.
In a press briefing earlier this week, UAE officials said the country is operating under the highest readiness posture, supported by a multi-layer integrated air defence system covering long-, medium- and short-range threats, alongside strategic ammunition reserves.