Iran fires ballistic missiles at U.S. Al Dhafra Air Base in UAE as THAAD system intercepts incoming threats

The reported strike comes amid escalating military exchanges in the region, as Iran expands retaliatory actions against locations hosting U.S. forces following earlier U.S. and Israeli operations targeting Iranian facilities. Regional sources said the attempted attack occurred as part of broader Iranian strikes on American military installations.

Initial information indicated that the missiles were launched toward Al Dhafra Air Base, a major operational hub for U.S. forces. The installation supports reconnaissance, aerial refueling, and combat-support aircraft critical to regional missions.

Subsequent reports stated that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system deployed in the United Arab Emirates intercepted two incoming ballistic missiles over Abu Dhabi. Photographs circulating afterward showed interceptor launches and midair flashes consistent with a THAAD engagement.

Neither U.S. nor Emirati officials immediately released formal damage assessments or casualty reports related to the incident. The absence of confirmed impacts suggested the missiles were neutralized before reaching their intended targets, although official confirmation was still pending at the time of reporting.

The THAAD system is designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles during the final phase of flight, either outside or just inside Earth’s atmosphere. It uses advanced radar tracking and hit-to-kill interceptor technology to destroy incoming missiles through direct kinetic impact rather than explosive warheads.

Al Dhafra Air Base is one of the primary U.S. aviation hubs in the region. Aircraft operating from the base conduct surveillance, aerial refueling, and operational coordination missions across the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas, making it a strategically significant location during periods of heightened tension.