Two members of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces were killed Monday after a military helicopter crashed due to a technical malfunction, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed in an official statement.

In its statement, the ministry said the helicopter went down while the personnel were “performing their national duty in the country.” The type of helicopter involved and the exact location of the crash have not been disclosed.

The Ministry extended its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the fallen servicemen, praying for mercy on their souls and strength for their loved ones.

Authorities have said a technical fault appears to be the cause of the crash, and an official investigation has been launched to determine the precise sequence of events leading up to the incident. Military aviation specialists and safety officials are expected to participate in the review.

The loss comes as the UAE maintains heightened military alertness amid ongoing regional tensions across the Gulf, including threats from missile and drone activity linked to broader geopolitical conflicts. Over recent days, the UAE has reported significant interceptions of unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles by its air defenses, underscoring heightened security concerns in the region.

Details about the identities of the two servicemen have not been released pending family notifications, and the Ministry has asked that privacy and respect be observed for the bereaved families.

Investigation teams are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, shedding light on whether the malfunction stemmed from mechanical failure, maintenance issues, or other factors. (ILKHA)