Luigi Martino, a research scientist at Khalifa University, explained that the UAE has built one of the Middle East’s most advanced air defense systems.
An Italian researcher and academic has affirmed that the United Arab Emirates has demonstrated advanced defensive capabilities in confronting missile and drone attacks, highlighting the effectiveness of the country’s multilayered air defense system.
In a study issued by TRENDS Research & Advisory, titled UAE Air Defense Network Stands Against Iranian Fire, its author, Luigi Martino, research scientist at Khalifa University and professor at the University of Bologna, explained that the UAE has succeeded in building one of the most advanced air defense systems in the Middle East.
The study indicated that despite Iran launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones toward Emirati targets following the escalation that came after the February 28, 2026, U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, the UAE’s defense systems were able to intercept the vast majority of these attacks.
According to the study, Tehran launched 186 ballistic missiles and 812 drones toward targets inside the UAE since March 1. Emirati air defenses intercepted 172 missiles and 755 drones, achieving an interception rate of about 96 percent.
Dr. Martino noted that this defensive performance reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic approach, which combines diversified international partnerships with the development of advanced national defense capabilities. He stressed that the country has not relied solely on external protection but has gradually invested in building an integrated defense architecture to strengthen deterrence and safeguard national security.
The study also explained that the UAE air defense network operates through a multilayered system integrating advanced technologies from several international partners alongside domestically developed systems.
It further emphasized that this layered defense structure provides multiple interception opportunities: if one system fails to neutralize a threat, another defensive layer can engage it. This significantly enhances the defense network’s resilience and reduces the likelihood of successful attacks.
The study concluded that the performance of the UAE’s air defense system sends a clear strategic message in the region. The country’s resilience, it noted, goes beyond protecting its territory and critical infrastructure, extending to supporting regional stability and safeguarding global trade and energy routes across the Gulf.
An Italian researcher and academic has affirmed that the United Arab Emirates has demonstrated advanced defensive capabilities in confronting missile and drone attacks, highlighting the effectiveness of the country’s multilayered air defense system.
In a study issued by TRENDS Research & Advisory, titled UAE Air Defense Network Stands Against Iranian Fire, its author, Luigi Martino, research scientist at Khalifa University and professor at the University of Bologna, explained that the UAE has succeeded in building one of the most advanced air defense systems in the Middle East.
The study indicated that despite Iran launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones toward Emirati targets following the escalation that came after the February 28, 2026, U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, the UAE’s defense systems were able to intercept the vast majority of these attacks.
According to the study, Tehran launched 186 ballistic missiles and 812 drones toward targets inside the UAE since March 1. Emirati air defenses intercepted 172 missiles and 755 drones, achieving an interception rate of about 96 percent.
Dr. Martino noted that this defensive performance reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic approach, which combines diversified international partnerships with the development of advanced national defense capabilities. He stressed that the country has not relied solely on external protection but has gradually invested in building an integrated defense architecture to strengthen deterrence and safeguard national security.
The study also explained that the UAE air defense network operates through a multilayered system integrating advanced technologies from several international partners alongside domestically developed systems.
It further emphasized that this layered defense structure provides multiple interception opportunities: if one system fails to neutralize a threat, another defensive layer can engage it. This significantly enhances the defense network’s resilience and reduces the likelihood of successful attacks.
The study concluded that the performance of the UAE’s air defense system sends a clear strategic message in the region. The country’s resilience, it noted, goes beyond protecting its territory and critical infrastructure, extending to supporting regional stability and safeguarding global trade and energy routes across the Gulf.
