French fighter jets neutralise Iranian drones over UAE

French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noel Barrot confirmed that French Rafale fighter jets deployed over the United Arab Emirates intercepted and neutralised Iranian drones targeting the country, as fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies across the region.

Barrot said on Tuesday that Rafale jets — based at Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi — were flying air‑security missions over Emirati airspace to protect the UAE from incoming threats.

France maintains hundreds of naval, air force, and army personnel in the UAE, where it operates a permanent ‘triple‑service’ base. The Rafale, France’s premier multi‑role fighter, is capable of both air‑superiority missions and precision strikes, and its current deployment marks a shift from a monitoring posture to an active combat air patrol against Iranian drones and missiles.

On Sunday, March 1, a drone struck the French base in Abu Dhabi, prompting French officials to underline that fighter jets would be used to ensure the security of French forces and facilities in the country.

French officials said Paris has expressed support for countries across the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, and that France stands ready to employ its military assets in the region to assist partners if required.

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