France has ordered the deployment of Rafale jets to protect the airspace of the United Arab Emirates and has offered Cyprus the sending of a frigate and anti-missile and anti-drone systems to address possible attacks, such as the one against the British airbase in Akrotiri, where an Iranian unmanned aircraft crashed (although no casualties were reported).
The announcement came hours after Greece confirmed the sending of four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates equipped with the Centauro drone interference system to Cyprus. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias will visit the island on Tuesday and convey Athens' readiness to "address threats and illegal actions against its territory."
Meanwhile, the European Union will debate whether to activate the defense clause due to the attack on one of its member states. Although the Akrotiri base is considered British overseas territory, two other unmanned aircraft were intercepted in its vicinity. The United Kingdom has announced the sending of a state-of-the-art frigate to protect the base.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France is "ready to defend its partners if requested." French President Emmanuel Macron, who is scheduled to deliver a televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, warned that while France has not participated in the US and Israel attacks against the Iranian regime, it is prepared to engage in "defensive actions" in Jordan and Gulf countries, where it also has military facilities.
Al Salam base near Abu Dhabi, one of the three French military installations in the United Arab Emirates, was actually one of the first Iranian targets. The drone attack caused a fire in several containers and partially destroyed a hangar, but no casualties were reported.
Barrot confirmed that Rafale jet patrols "have been mobilized to ensure security and protect the airspace over our military bases." The French minister stated that "contacts are increasing" with both the United Arab Emirates and other partner countries in the Gulf to determine "the best way to protect our interests there." Barrot confirmed that the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier remains stationed in the North Atlantic, participating in military maneuvers, and there are no plans to send it to the Mediterranean to reinforce the French military presence in the conflict zone.
"Our priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens," added Barrot, estimating 400,000 French citizens living in Gulf countries. "We are preparing charter flights to evacuate the most vulnerable individuals, although we are also advising our citizens to leave the countries on regular flights whenever possible," the French minister warned.