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.