France to Boost UAE Air Defence Support after Houthi Attacks

After a series of ballistic missile and drone strikes on the UAE by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels from Yemen, France would enhance the UAE's air defence system, the French armed forces minister announced on Friday, according to Reuters.

Paris has a permanent military installation in Abu Dhabi and maintains tight economic and political relations with the Emirati capital. It agreed to sell 80 Rafale fighter jets to the Emirates in December, marking the largest ever overseas sale of the French warplane.

"The United Arab Emirates was victim of serious attacks on its territory in January," Florence Parly wrote on Twitter. "In order to show our solidarity with this friendly country, France has decided to provide military support, in particular to protect the airspace against any intrusion."

The UAE has been assaulted twice in the last fortnight by Houthi-claimed drones and missiles, including one that targeted a US military facility. It was foiled by Patriot interceptors manufactured in the United States.

According to the French Armed Forces Ministry, operations will be conducted from the Al Dhafra air base, which provides refuelling and surface-to-air capabilities.

"Aircraft operations are planned ... in coordination with the Emirati air forces, to detect and intercept drone strikes or cruise missiles targeting the UAE," the ministry said.

According to French officials, refuelling and regular Rafale fighter jet observation missions will take place entirely over Emirati territory.

Earlier this week, the US said that it would send fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates in response to missile attacks conducted by Yemen's Houthi movement against the Gulf state.