Strike near UAE reactor revives concerns over nuclear plant safety in wartime
A recent drone strike near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE has raised safety concerns regarding nuclear facilities during wartime. The attack caused Reactor no 3 to lose off-site power for approximately 24 hours, forcing it to rely on backup generators. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in nuclear safety amid ongoing military tensions in the region.
- ▪The drone strike cut off external power to Reactor no 3 at the Barakah nuclear plant for about 24 hours.
- ▪The UAE's nuclear safety regulator confirmed that no radioactive material was released during the attack.
- ▪This incident marks the first time a fully operating nuclear power plant had to depend on backup generators due to military action.
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Staff working at the Barakah nuclear power plant in 2020. Reactor no 3 lost off-site power for about 24 hours after the attack. Photograph: WAM state news agency/APView image in fullscreenStaff working at the Barakah nuclear power plant in 2020. Reactor no 3 lost off-site power for about 24 hours after the attack. Photograph: WAM state news agency/APDrones (military)AnalysisStrike near UAE reactor revives concerns over nuclear plant safety in wartimeDan Sabbagh Defence and security editorAttack marks first time military action has forced a fully operating nuclear power plant to rely on backup generators Middle East crisis – live updatesTue 19 May 2026 10.49 EDTLast modified on Tue 19 May 2026 10.50 EDTShareA drone strike that cut off external power to a nuclear reactor in the United Arab…
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