The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense released footage on Sunday showing Emirati Air Force AH-64E Apache attack helicopters engaging and destroying Iranian one-way attack drones over the Persian Gulf with their 30mm M230 chain guns.
The video shows multiple successful intercepts as the American-made helicopters tracked and fired on approaching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The drones were Iranian Shahed-type one-way attack UAVs, which fly toward a target and detonate on impact rather than returning to base.
لقطات تظهر اعتراض وتدمير الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية طائرات مسيّرة إيرانية حاولت استهداف الدولة.
لا تهاون بأمن الوطن وسيادته… والقوات المسلحة الإماراتية جاهزة لردع أي تهديد.
Footage showing the UAE’s air defences intercepting and destroying Iranian UAVs that attempted to… pic.twitter.com/vvHmZkcBri
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 8, 2026
“Footage showing the UAE’s air defences intercepting and destroying Iranian UAVs that attempted to target the country,” the Ministry of Defense stated. “There is no compromise when it comes to the nation’s security and sovereignty. The UAE Armed Forces stand ready to deter any threat.”
The helicopter-based intercepts are part of a broader defensive effort against sustained Iranian drone and missile barrages targeting Gulf states.
As of March 9, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Defense reports the interception of 1,342 drones out of 1,422 detected and the destruction of 221 out of 238 ballistic missiles since February 2. The intense regional hostilities have resulted in 4 fatalities and 112 injuries, primarily caused by falling debris, leading officials to formally declare a “state of defense” against ongoing Iranian aggression.
UAE air defences intercept 16 ballistic missiles, 113 UAVs
UAE air defences today (8th March, 2026) detected 17 ballistic missiles, of which 16 were destroyed, while 1 missile fell into the sea. A total of 117 UAVs were also detected, with 113 intercepted, while 4 UAVs fell… pic.twitter.com/BTikC5pRyd
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 8, 2026
The AH-64E Guardian entered Emirati service in August 2023 following a fleet upgrade from earlier AH-64D models. The attack helicopter carries the M230 chain gun, a 30mm electrically driven autocannon, along with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and 70mm rockets.
Using attack helicopters to intercept slow-flying drones offers a cost-effective alternative to missile-based air defenses, Middle East Eye reported. Ukraine has employed similar tactics against Russian Shahed drones, sending armed helicopters to hunt the UAVs before they reach populated areas.
