The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense confirmed on Sunday that its air defenses had faced nearly 200 ballistic missiles and hundreds of Iranian drones in the initial volleys of the war with Iran.

Despite the interception of the majority of projectiles, however, the UAE was unable to prevent several drones from hitting civilian targets in the country.

"UAE Air Defenses Have Dealt with 165 Ballistic Missiles, 2 Cruise Missiles, and 541 Iranian Drones So Far," the MOD said.
"The Ministry of Defense announced that the Air Force and Air Defense forces of the United Arab Emirates succeeded on the morning of the second day of the Iranian attack in destroying 20 ballistic missiles and the downing of 8 missiles into the sea, destroying 2 cruise missiles and 311 drones, while 21 drones hit civilian targets, confirming the capability of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense forces to deal with various threats."

The UAE sits opposite Iran across the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian forces have attempted to blockade since the start of the conflict. The immediate strategic value for the Iranians of striking the UAE is unclear.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.