Final Up to date:
The protecting cages are supposed to scale back the affect of short-range drones carrying explosives.

The UAE is attempting to guard its oil storage tanks utilizing cages in opposition to drone assaults. (Picture: X)
The United Arab Emirates has reportedly put in giant, grid-like metallic constructions round gas storage tanks in Abu Dhabi, in a bid to defend crucial power infrastructure from drone assaults amid heightened regional tensions.
The protecting cages, whose development reportedly started round Could, are supposed to scale back the affect of short-range drones carrying explosives. They aren’t designed to cease ballistic or cruise missiles, which stay a way more troublesome risk to counter, The Information Worldwide reported.
Drone Risk Drives New Defences
The transfer comes after the UAE was repeatedly focused throughout the Iran-US battle that started in February. Iranian missiles and drones struck or threatened a number of places throughout the nation, together with power and maritime infrastructure. On Could 4, a drone assault triggered a hearth on the Fujairah Oil Business Zone, injuring three Indian nationals. The UAE additionally mentioned an ADNOC tanker was hit by two drones within the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.
The dimensions of the risk was vital. UAE authorities mentioned that, because the starting of the Iranian assaults, greater than 1,400 drones and lots of of ballistic missiles had been detected, with the bulk intercepted.
Metallic Cages Round Gas Tanks
Metallic cages and netting should not a brand new defensive idea. Russia has used related constructions round oil storage amenities to restrict harm from Ukrainian drone strikes.
Nevertheless, such measures are thought-about solely a further layer of safety quite than an entire resolution. As drone warfare evolves, analysts warn that attackers might finally develop specialised techniques designed particularly to breach or bypass protecting cages, permitting standard explosive drones to achieve susceptible targets.
The Abu Dhabi installations subsequently spotlight a broader shift in Gulf safety planning: power infrastructure is more and more being hardened in opposition to comparatively cheap drones that may trigger vital harm regardless of refined air-defence techniques.
Key Questions Answered
The metallic cages are supposed to scale back the affect of short-range drones carrying explosives. Nevertheless, the sources don’t verify if these cages will totally defend in opposition to all future drone assaults.
In regards to the Creator
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s normal desk. She comes with an expertise of over 5 years in media trade. She covers politics and different onerous information. She could be contacted at Manish…Learn Extra
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
August 23, 2026, 11:08 IST
Learn Extra