IAEA Commends UAE's Swift Response to Drone Attack on Barakah Nuclear Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded that the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) response to a drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant in May was both swift and effective. The incident involved a drone launched from Iraq that struck a generator situated outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah plant, resulting in a fire that was subsequently brought under control. Following the attack, dozens of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, the UK, the US, France, and Pakistan, along with the EU, issued a joint statement condemning the act.

The IAEA's findings, released on Tuesday, confirm that both national authorities and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) responded appropriately to the loss of off-site power caused by the drone strike on May 17. This conclusion was reached by a six-person mission team from the nuclear agency, which was present in the UAE from October 12 to October 20 at the government's request. The IAEA stated that effective actions were taken to maintain safety during the event, encompassing prompt national and international notification, the implementation of established emergency response procedures, and public communication.

The IAEA mission team conducted site visits to the affected areas of the plant and key emergency response facilities. They also reviewed operating and emergency procedures and held meetings with the senior management and technical staff of BNPP and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator. The team's focus included the plant's response actions, national arrangements for emergency preparedness and response, lessons learned from the incident, and the reactor operator’s measures to ensure safety.

Amgad Shokr, director of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre and leader of the mission team, remarked, "By requesting this mission, FANR and BNPP have demonstrated their strong commitment to safety and continuous improvement." He added that Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was "encouraged to continue implementing the organisational and technical measures identified through the assessment of lessons learnt from the event."

Hamad Al Kaabi, director general of FANR, stated, "The UAE has established a robust and comprehensive nuclear emergency preparedness and response system in line with the highest international standards, developed in close co-operation with the IAEA." He further emphasized, "The UAE shares the position of the international community and the IAEA on the importance of protecting nuclear facilities at all times. We will continue working closely with the IAEA and our national partners to enhance the safety and security of nuclear facilities and ensure the protection of the community and the environment."