A video circulating on social media claims to show an Iranian missile bypassing US-made air defence systems and striking an oil storage facility in the United Arab Emirates during the early phase of the 2026 Iran war. However, experts have questioned the authenticity and interpretation of the footage, while UAE authorities maintain that the incident involved a drone interception rather than a successful missile strike.
Chinese Sailors Share Viral Footage Showing Iranian Missiles Evading Patriot, THAAD Defence Systems
The video, reportedly captured by Chinese sailors stationed off the UAE coast, has been widely shared by pro-Iran accounts on social media platforms. The footage allegedly shows a missile evading interception attempts by U.S.-supplied Patriot and THAAD defence systems before hitting a target in Fujairah.
A Chinese sailor captures Iranian missiles flying straight past multiple Patriot/THAAD interceptors.
You’re not supposed to see this.
pic.twitter.com/JMt3a29r0E— ADAM (@AdameMedia) March 11, 2026
One user on X described the footage dramatically, writing, “a Chinese sailor captures Iranian missiles flying straight past multiple Patriot/THAAD interceptors. You’re not supposed to see this.”
Another X user, Furkan Gözükara, also amplified the claim, stating, “The most insane footage of the war so far. Iranian missile bypasses all of the interceptors with its new tech. Chinese sailors recorded and shared, thanks to them we got it.”
Despite the dramatic claims circulating online, defence analysts have urged caution, pointing out that the video alone does not conclusively prove that a missile successfully evaded the air defence systems.
UAE Says Drone Was Intercepted
According to reports, the incident occurred on March 11 when a drone was intercepted near Fujairah. Authorities said debris from the interception ignited a fire at an oil storage site.
The blaze was quickly contained, though two oil tanks were damaged. Officials confirmed that there were no casualties and that port operations resumed shortly after the incident.
Experts analysing the viral footage have also raised questions about its reliability. Some pointed to unusual numbers of interceptor launches visible in the video and highlighted the difficulty of accurately identifying interceptions from a distant vantage point.
Questions Over Claims of a Direct Hit
Analysts have further noted that visual confirmation of missile interceptions is often difficult, especially from recordings taken far from the defence engagement zone. As a result, the footage does not definitively confirm that an Iranian missile penetrated the air defence shield.
The UAE has reported strong performance from its defensive systems during the ongoing conflict. According to official figures, the country has achieved interception success rates exceeding 90 percent against more than 1,400 aerial threats.
Meanwhile, Iran and allied militias have continued launching waves of drones and missiles across the Middle East. Targets have included energy infrastructure, airports, military installations, residential areas and industrial facilities.
The attacks have affected multiple countries, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Although air defence systems intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, several strikes still caused casualties, fires and infrastructure damage.
Significant damage has been reported in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq.
UAE Air Defences
The UAE has invested heavily in a layered air defence network designed to counter missiles and drones. This system includes advanced batteries such as the U.S.-supplied Patriot and THAAD interceptors.
Such protection is critical for the UAE, which functions as a major global hub for aviation through Dubai and Abu Dhabi while also serving as an important centre for international finance.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
