UAE Intercepts 12 Missiles, 4 UAVs, and 3 Cruise Missiles

04/05/2026

ABU DHABI, May 4: The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that on May 4, 2026, air defence systems engaged a large-scale aerial assault involving 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran. The ministry confirmed that the incident resulted in three moderate injuries.

Officials said that since the beginning of what they described as “blatant Iranian attacks” on the country, UAE air defences have intercepted a total of 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,260 UAVs.

The ministry also reported that the cumulative toll of injuries has reached 227, involving individuals of multiple nationalities, including Emirati and several expatriate communities from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It further stated that the total number of fatalities stands at 13, including both civilian and military-related personnel.

According to the statement, civilian deaths include nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, India, and Egypt, while one additional fatality was a Moroccan civilian contractor linked to the armed forces.

The UAE Ministry of Defence reaffirmed that the country’s armed forces remain fully prepared to counter any further threats, stressing that all necessary measures will be taken to protect national sovereignty, security, and critical infrastructure.