Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Two members of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces were killed on Monday, March 9, 2026, when a military helicopter crashed due to a technical malfunction while they were carrying out their national duties, the UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
According to the Ministry’s official statement, the helicopter went down mid‑flight after a technical fault caused it to crash. No hostile action has been reported in connection with the accident, and authorities have not released further details about the exact location of the incident or the specific aircraft model involved.
The fallen crew were identified as Captain Pilot Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi and first Lieutenant Pilot Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji. Both officers were serving in the UAE Armed Forces and were described by the Ministry as having “lost their lives while performing their national duty.”
In a voice message shared publicly, First Lieutenant Al Tunaiji spoke about sacrifice and faith before his final mission, saying: “The great reward comes from the Lord of the worlds. If it is written that we are to be among the martyrs, then we shall be martyrs.”
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Ministry of Defence held full military funeral ceremonies for the two officers at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi. The events were attended by family members, senior military officials, and leaders from across the UAE.
Separate funeral prayers for the martyrs were also held in their respective home regions, a service for First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji took place at Abdullah Ali Ibrahim Al Aamash Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah and a gathering for Captain Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi was held at the Al Muatared Al Kabeer Mosque in Al Ain.
Senior Emirati leaders, including military commanders and members of the ruling families, offered condolences to the grieving families and paid tribute to the officers’ dedication and service.
