UAE denies Bloomberg report on its 'advanced defensive capabilities'

ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday dismissed a Bloomberg report about the country’s “advanced defensive capabilities” as “false” and “misleading” amid a widening military conflict between the US and Iran.

"These assertions are unfounded and misrepresent the UAE’s high level of preparedness, technological sophistication, and operational readiness,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Bloomberg earlier claimed that the UAE and Qatar are privately lobbying their allies to convince US President Donald Trump to limit the duration of military operations against Iran.

The outlet alleged that both countries are rushing to upgrade their air defense capabilities and that the UAE has asked allies for assistance with medium-range air defenses.

The UAE underscored the importance of “responsible journalism and the need to verify information with official sources before publishing inaccurate reports.”

The Gulf country stressed that it is equipped with “a wide-ranging, integrated, and multi-layered air defense network, capable of efficiently countering all types of aerial threats.” It said that its long, medium, and short-range systems “ensure full coverage and protection of the nation’s airspace.”

The UAE also maintains “a robust strategic stockpile of munitions, ensuring sustained interception and response capabilities over extended periods, while preserving full operational readiness to safeguard national security and sovereignty.”

The ministry reaffirmed that the UAE’s advanced defense capabilities, institutional readiness, and integrated national security framework “remain steadfast and uncompromised.”

"The safety and security of its citizens, residents, and visitors will always remain an absolute priority," the ministry added.

Regional tensions escalated when the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday, killing several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries which are home to US assets.