19:19 14-05-2026

UAE Shields Dubai Airport Fuel Tanks From Drone Strikes

© Jpbowen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The War Zone says the UAE is reinforcing Dubai airport fuel tanks with metal shields after missile and drone attacks, using lessons from Russia's defenses.

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The United Arab Emirates has begun urgently reinforcing fuel facilities located near Dubai International Airport after recent missile and drone attacks. Massive metal structures are now being built around fuel tanks to reduce the risk of strikes by kamikaze drones, The War Zone reports.

According to the outlet, the UAE appears to be drawing on Russian experience previously used to protect critical infrastructure inside Russia. Photos circulating online show large metal frames already under construction near the Dubai airport, designed to shield oil storage tanks from possible aerial attacks.

The additional security measures come after large-scale attacks by Iran. Earlier reports said national air defense systems had intercepted 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,265 drones.

Although the ceasefire agreement remains in force, the latest strike on UAE territory took place on May 10. After that, the authorities began reviewing protection systems for strategic sites tied to energy and logistics. Earlier, serious damage was inflicted on an oil storage facility at the port of Fujairah and the Habshan gas processing plant.

Similar measures are now being considered in the United States. According to The War Zone, the Pentagon has recommended using cable structures and specialized netting to reduce the threat from drones and protect key infrastructure.