Estimation of the Air Defense Costs of the Gulf Countries in a US-Israel War against Iran

According to a report from the Turkish news agency, Anadolu Agency, the Gulf countries are expected to face increasing economic burdens while defending against Iranian drones and missiles.

The Gulf countries, which are home to American assets, have also become targets of Iranian attacks in retaliation for the US-Israeli military invasion against them.

"With US bases being attacked in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia," wrote Asiye Latife Yilmaz, a journalist for Anadolu Agency.

In her report, the estimated combined defense costs for these countries over the past two days have exceeded US$3 billion and could reach more than US$5 billion in higher estimates.

Below are the details of the estimated defense costs for the Gulf countries to withstand Iranian attacks in retaliation for the US-Israeli military invasion.

• UAE

Among the Gulf countries, Anadolu Agency estimates that the UAE is the country that has spent the most on defending against Iranian airstrikes. Since Saturday (28/2/2026), the UAE Ministry of Defense reported that 174 ballistic missiles and 689 Iranian drones were detected being launched towards their country. Anadolu Agency estimates that the UAE's total spending on air defense so far has reached US$1.31-US$2.61 billion.

• Qatar

Qatar, which hosts the largest US base in the region, reported intercepting 65 ballistic missiles and 12 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with operations estimated to cost a maximum of US$700 million. In addition, the country also intercepted 72 ballistic missiles, 17 drones, and two SU-24 aircraft, with estimated operation costs ranging between US$600-US$900 million. If the maximum figures from these two operations are combined, Qatar is estimated to have already spent US$1.6 billion on air defense.

• Kuwait

According to Anadolu Agency, Kuwait stated that its Ali al-Salem Air Base, which houses the US Air Force, was attacked. Kuwait's air defense disabled 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones, with the cost of interception estimated to be between US$800 million and US$1.5 billion.

• Bahrain

This country admitted to having intercepted 45 missiles and nine drones, including the Shahed-136 type, with an estimated cost of US$337-US$450 million.

• Jordan

Jordan's air defense reportedly disabled 49 drones and 13 ballistic missiles, with the total cost of interception estimated at US$300-US$375 million.

• Saudi Arabia

According to Anadolu Agency, this country successfully intercepted five drones at an estimated cost of US$10-US$20 million. "Each interceptor fired represents a resource that cannot be replaced overnight. Supplies can be depleted quickly if the attacks continue," said the author.