Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
The UAE said on Tuesday it is fully prepared to defend its territory after intercepting 172 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles, and 755 drones in recent Iranian attacks, with minimal casualties on its soil.
“The UAE has never and will never accept, under any circumstances, any infringement on its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its territories,” Major General Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD), during a government media briefing on Abu Dhabi TV.
“The state reserves the full right to take all necessary measures to repel any attack against it.”
He emphasised that the UAE is “at the highest level of readiness”, equipped with advanced defence systems and armaments capable of defending its territories and protecting its people regardless of the duration of the regional escalation.
The spokesperson highlighted the UAE’s multi-layered air defence systems, which include long-range, medium-range, and short-range systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage of national airspace.
He also confirmed that the UAE possesses strategic ammunition reserves that can support operations to counter aerial threats over extended periods.
The Ministry of Defence reported that since the beginning of Iranian attacks, the UAE has dealt with 186 ballistic missiles, of which 172 were intercepted, 13 fell into the sea, and one impacted within UAE territory.
The military also identified 812 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), intercepting 755 while 57 reached UAE territory.
Some interceptions caused three fatalities and 68 minor injuries, as well as minor to moderate property damage. Major General Al Humaidi stressed that these were the result of defensive operations, not the success of hostile attacks.
“Air defence systems succeeded in dealing with the hostile attacks at the right time, which contributed to reducing the size of the damage and preventing further losses to lives and properties,” he added.
The spokesperson explained that noises heard across the country are from air defence systems intercepting missiles and UAE fighter jets targeting drones.
“All necessary precautionary measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the population,” he said.
The UAE Armed Forces are continuously monitoring field developments that may affect national security, airspace, or territorial waters, Major General Al Humaidi added.
Measures include strengthening defence deployments, raising combat readiness levels, and enhancing early warning and surveillance systems.
“Our Armed Forces have proven their high efficiency, operational experience, and advanced readiness…to deal decisively and immediately with any attack or attempt to undermine the sovereignty of the country,” he said.