The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has released dramatic footage showing attack helicopters hunting and destroying Iranian drones in mid-air, highlighting the growing intensity of aerial combat across the Gulf region.

The video shows AH-64 Apache helicopters deployed by the UAE tracking and intercepting Shahed-136 drones launched toward the country. Using onboard radar and targeting systems, the helicopters locked onto the drones before opening fire and destroying them in the sky.

Thermal and cockpit-view footage captures the tense moments as the aircraft pursue the slow-moving drones across the night sky. Green targeting markers track the incoming UAVs before bursts of cannon fire strike the targets, triggering explosions as the drones are neutralized mid-flight.

According to the UAE military, the Apache helicopters were launched by the country’s Joint Aviation Command as part of an emergency defensive response to Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf states. Officials emphasized that the armed forces remain fully prepared to defend national territory and critical infrastructure.

Military analysts say helicopters are increasingly being used to counter drone swarms because they can match the slower speed of loitering munitions, making them highly effective for close-range interceptions compared with fast jet fighters.

The aerial engagements come amid a surge in drone and missile attacks across the region as tensions rise in the wider conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Gulf nations have been reinforcing air defenses to protect major cities, oil facilities, and military bases from incoming threats.

Defense officials say the dramatic footage is intended to demonstrate the country’s readiness and send a clear signal that any attempt to target the UAE will be met with immediate and decisive force.