UAE intercepts 4 ballistic missiles and 6 drones from Iran on Day 16 — cumulative total now 298 missiles, 1,606 drones

The United Arab Emirates defense ministry confirmed on March 15, 2026 (Day 16) that its air defense systems intercepted 4 ballistic missiles and 6 drones fired by Iran. The disclosure came alongside a cumulative breakdown of UAE air defense activity since the war began on February 28: 298 ballistic missiles intercepted, 15 cruise missiles intercepted, and 1,606 drones intercepted — a total of 1,919 airborne Iranian threats over 16 days, an average of 120 per day. The UAE's cumulative interception figures are the largest disclosed by any single Gulf nation, reflecting its status as a high-priority Iranian target given the presence of US forces at Al Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi's Zayed Port, and Dubai's economic infrastructure. Six people have been killed and 142 injured in Iran's attacks on the UAE. The UAE continues to operate its Patriot PAC-3, THAAD (operated by US forces at Al Dhafra), and C-RAM systems against the sustained Iranian campaign.