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Residents across the UAE sometimes receive a mobile alert warning of a potential missile threat, only to receive another message minutes later confirming that the situation is safe. According to the Ministry of Defence, the reason lies in the speed at which modern air defence systems detect, analyse and respond to threats.
“In modern defensive operations, time is the most critical factor,” Brigadier Staff Mohammed Al Ketbi, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview.
He explained that modern air defence systems rely on advanced radar networks and sensing technologies that continuously monitor the skies for potential threats.
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Once a target is detected, the information is immediately analysed within command and control centres, where advanced systems combine data from multiple sources to build a comprehensive operational picture.
“This allows decisions to be taken within minutes, and sometimes even seconds, to activate the appropriate interception systems and deal with the threat before it reaches its target,” Al Ketbi said.
As the US-Israel-Iran war enters its twelfth day, UAE air defences continue to intercept drones and missiles launched from Iran, keeping the country safe as life and business activities proceed normally. On March 10, a military funeral was held for two armed forces members who died after a helicopter crashed due to a technical malfunction while performing their national duty in the country.
“Modern air defence systems rely on the concept of multi-layered defence, meaning that several levels of protection operate in an integrated manner,” Al Ketbi said.
The system begins with early warning and detection technologies that monitor airspace continuously. These include radar networks and other sensing systems designed to detect potential threats as early as possible.
From there, different layers of defence are activated depending on the type of threat.
“Each layer is designed to deal with a specific type of threat or to operate within a particular range of altitude and distance,” he explained.
He noted that these layers are capable of addressing a variety of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“When these layers operate together, they create a comprehensive protective umbrella for national airspace,” Al Ketbi said.
Technology, he added, plays a central role in strengthening air defence and early warning capabilities.
“Technology today forms the backbone of modern defence systems,” he said. “Smart systems and artificial intelligence help analyse vast amounts of data coming from radars and sensors, accelerating the decision-making process.”
According to Al Ketbi, the efficiency seen today reflects years of sustained investment in building advanced defence capabilities.
“Developing armed forces does not happen overnight,” he said. “It is a cumulative process that takes years and includes training, equipping forces, building military doctrine and advancing technological capabilities.”
He said the ability to respond effectively to various threats today is the result of long-term strategic planning and investment in strengthening the country’s defence infrastructure.
“What we are witnessing today reflects the outcome of years of planning and investment in building advanced defence capabilities capable of protecting the state and responding to contemporary security challenges,” he said.
Al Ketbi stressed that the armed forces continue to operate around the clock as part of a broader national system working to safeguard the country’s stability.
“The armed forces of the UAE work day and night to protect the nation’s security and stability,” he said. “They are part of an integrated national system that includes various security and civil institutions.”
He added that the key message to the public remains one of reassurance.
“The message to society is one of confidence and reassurance,” Al Ketbi said. “The security and stability of the UAE remain a top priority, and the armed forces possess the capability, readiness, and determination to protect the nation and its achievements.”
Source: Khaleej Times