FM: French Rafale jets patrol Middle East bases after drone attack

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has announced that French Rafale fighter jets are carrying out air patrol missions over France’s military bases in the Middle East, underscoring heightened security measures in the region.

Speaking to BFMTV, Barrot said the aircraft are actively deployed to monitor and secure the airspace above French installations. He did not provide details about the specific nature of the missions or clarify whether they included the interception of unmanned aerial vehicles. However, he stressed that the operations are intended to serve as a deterrent.

“These Rafale aircraft and their pilots are mobilised to ensure the security of our territory,” the minister stated.

His comments came two days after an Iranian drone carried out an attack on a French military base in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting rising tensions and the need for reinforced protective measures.

By Tamilla Hasanova