UAE Air Defences Intercept 23 Ballistic Missiles and 56 Drones in Single Day

The UAE Ministry of Defence's April 4 daily update disclosed that UAE air defences successfully engaged 23 ballistic missiles and 56 drones launched from Iran — 79 projectiles in total, all intercepted. Al Jazeera reported the UAE 'bore the brunt' of Iran's retaliatory campaign against Gulf Cooperation Council states hosting US military assets on D36. For context, as of April 1 the UAE had cumulatively intercepted 438 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 UAVs since the conflict began February 28 — the D36 count represents a continued high-tempo daily barrage. The UAE has maintained commercial air operations and has not closed its airspace. Some intercept debris reached populated areas — a Dubai Marina residential building and the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City were both struck by falling debris earlier on April 4, injuring three people.

Key facts

• •UAE intercepts 23 ballistic missiles and 56 drones from Iran on April 4 — 79 total
• •UAE MoD confirms all projectiles successfully engaged and destroyed
• •UAE bore the brunt of Iran's GCC retaliatory attacks on D36 (Al Jazeera)
• •Cumulative total as of April 1: 438 BMs + 2,000+ UAVs intercepted since Feb 28
• •Intercept debris reached Dubai Marina and Dubai Internet City on D36