UAE Air Defenses Intercept Three UAVs Near Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

GULF REGION — The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that on May 17 that its air defense systems intercepted three unmanned aerial vehicles that entered the country from the western border direction.

Two of the UAVs were successfully intercepted while the third struck an electrical generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to the fire caused by the drone strike. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems and that all units continued operating normally.

UAE: Three UAVs Approached In The Western Border Direction, Air Defense Systems Engaged

UAE Ministry of Defense officials stated that the three UAVs approached from the western border direction on May 17.

Air defense systems engaged the incoming UAVs with two destroyed prior to impact and the third impacting the electrical generator outside the plant’s inner security perimeter. Emergency response teams contained the resulting fire.

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant houses four operational reactors. UAE authorities stated immediate implementation of precautionary measures with no disruption to essential safety systems.

Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Status

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed radiological safety levels were unaffected and all four reactors continued normal operations.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that radiation levels at the site remained normal with emergency diesel generators providing power to Unit 3.

No injuries were reported and the incident caused no impact on the plant’s overall safety or electricity generation capacity.

Official Statements

• UAE Ministry of Defense, 17 May 2026: “UAE air defences intercept 3 UAVs. The Ministry of Defence announced that on 17th May 2026, UAE air defence systems intercepted three UAVs that entered the country from the western border direction. The ministry said that two of the UAVs were successfully intercepted, while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region. The ministry added that investigations are underway to determine the source of the attacks, noting that further details will be announced upon completion of the investigations. The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to address any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security and stability, and protects its national interests and gains.”

• Abu Dhabi Media Office, 17 May 2026: “Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels. All precautionary measures have been taken, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems, and that all units are operating as normal. The public is reminded to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.”

• International Atomic Energy Agency, 17 May 2026: “The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP. Emergency diesel generators are currently providing power to the NPP’s unit 3. The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed. DG @rafaelmgrossi expresses grave concern about the incident and says military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable. The DG reiterates call for maximum military restraint near any NPP to avoid the danger of a nuclear accident.”

• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2026: “H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during which he strongly condemned the unprovoked terrorist attack that resulted in a fire in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region following a drone strike, with no injuries reported and no impact on radiological safety levels. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed affirmed that targeting civilian facilities and vital infrastructure constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, stressing the UAE’s full right to respond to these terrorist attacks and to take all necessary measures to protect its security, territorial integrity and citizens, in accordance with international law. The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the unprovoked terrorist attack targeting an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra region, carried out by a drone that entered the country’s territory from the western border direction.”