French Rafale fighter jets deployed in the United Arab Emirates have carried out “air security” operations above French bases in the Gulf, France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on March 3, 2026.
In an interview with French media BFMTV, Barrot said Rafale jets and their crews were “mobilized” to ensure the security of France’s presence.
The fighters conducted missions to “secure the sky” above French bases in the UAE. France maintains a permanent military presence in the UAE, including Air Base 104 at Al Dhafra near Abu Dhabi and a naval facility at Port Zayed.
Barrot confirmed that a drone strike caused limited damage at the French naval facility in Abu Dhabi. According to French officials, a hangar was hit during the attack targeting the port area, but no casualties were reported.
Barrot did not say whether French Rafales shot down any drones during the latest air security missions. In April 2024, French Rafale jets deployed in Jordan as part of Operation Chammal had already intercepted Iranian drones flying toward Israel at Jordan’s request.
Iran’s regional retaliation strikes following the joint Israeli-US Operation Epic Fury have increased force-protection concerns for Western military installations across the Middle East.
France to send air defense systems and a frigate to Cyprus.
France is preparing additional defensive deployments to Cyprus, where the UK’s RAF Akrotiri sovereign base has come under drone pressure. According to the Cyprus News Agency, Paris plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems as well as a frigate to bolster Cyprus’ defenses. It is unclear at this point which platforms exactly will be deployed.
On the night of March 1, 2026, RAF Akrotiri was struck by a one-way drone, causing limited damage and no casualties. The following day, Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis reported that two unmanned aircraft heading toward the British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia were intercepted and destroyed. The drones had reportedly been launched from Lebanon.
Cyprus also evacuated a passenger terminal at Paphos International Airport (PFO) after detecting a “suspicious object” on radar.
In response, Greece’s defense minister announced the deployment of several F-16 jets to Paphos airport along with two frigates.
On the UK side, British officials are reportedly discussing sending a warship to help defend RAF Akrotiri after the strike, with The Times naming the destroyer HMS Duncan, though a final decision had not yet been made.