The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have dismissed the reports by Bloomberg reporting about their defensive capability, labelling such assertions as false and misleading.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the report did not signify the country’s level of preparedness, technological sophistication, or operational readiness.
It stated that the UAE has a variety of integrated and multi-layered air defence systems, which are able to deal with a complete spectrum of air threats, that include long range, medium range and short-range systems, which offer a combined protection of national airspace.
The ministry stated that the country maintains a strong strategic stockpile of munitions to help sustain interception and response capacity over extended periods.
It reiterated that the UAE’s defense services and the national security system remain “steadfast and uncompromised,” indicating that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains a top priority.
In another statement, Qatar’s International Media Office refuted a Bloomberg report reporting the nation’s stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles had been wiped out.
It added that the inventory, headed by the Qatar Armed Forces, “has not been depleted and remains well-stocked,” citing that the military was fully prepared to safeguard the country against external threats.
Qatar also denounced the release of what it termed as unverified information in a fast-paced and sensitive time regionally, terming it irresponsible and indicating that it is considering all suitable means, including legal measures, to reach out to the information and rectify it.
