US military bases in Middle East: What you need to know about UAE's key Al Dhafra Air Base amidst Iran 'war' tensions

If Iran decides to respond to Donald Trump's decision to bomb its nuclear facilities, US military bases across the Middle East may come under fire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has confirmed that Iran cannot return to diplomacy while under attack by Israel and the United States before saying that Tehran would consult with Russia on Monday regarding its next course of action.

 

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The US entry into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has cast dark clouds of war over much of the Middle East, as Tehran's decision to target any US bases in the region could drag more countries into the crisis. As hosts to important US military installations in the region, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have become critical players in the unfolding situation. The Fifth Fleet—whose operational areas include the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean—is based in Bahrain, while Al Dhafra Air Base is located in the UAE.

 

US airbase in UAE

 

According to Globalsecurity.org, the Gulf War triggered the UAE's interest in building a security relationship with the United States and the Defense Cooperation Agreement was signed between the countries in 1994. 

 

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The U.S. Air Force’s 380th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), operating under Air Combat Command, has been stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2002. Located approximately 30 km south of Abu Dhabi, the base hosts around 1,200 personnel, including active duty members, Reservists, and Air National Guard units. The wing comprises 10 squadrons, and its mission partners include an Army air defense battalion and multiple coalition forces. The 380th AEW has supported anti-Islamic State operations and participated in NATO missions in Afghanistan from this strategic location.

 

While U.S. military units are believed to have been present at Al Dhafra since the 1990s, the U.S. Air Force officially acknowledged its presence only in August 2017. (It was in 2002 that the 380th AEW was formally established at the base.) Today, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command's air defense artillery brigade represents the U.S. Army at this UAE-operated facility.

 

US fighter jets at Al Dhafra 

 

Al Dhafra Air Base made international headlines in early 2022, when Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles toward the installation in retaliation for the UAE’s involvement in the Yemeni civil war. The attack was successfully thwarted by U.S. Patriot missile systems, which intercepted and neutralized the projectiles before they could inflict damage. The base again drew global attention in early 2024, when the UAE reportedly restricted U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog) and MQ-9 Reaper drone operations from Al Dhafra, limiting their ability to strike militant targets.

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According to a 2017 report, the base housed a range of advanced U.S. aircraft, including the KC-10 tanker, RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude surveillance drone, E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane, and the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. These were later joined by F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35 Lightning IIs, according to subsequent reports.

 

The 380th also operates its own intelligence analysis and air battle management command and control center, known as “The Kingpin.” In addition, Military Working Dogs (MWDs) and their handlers are assigned to the wing to secure the installation through patrols and explosive detection. These dogs are trained to search buildings, vehicles, gates, and perimeter fences, and are also capable of pursuing and apprehending suspects on command.

Middle East