President Macron announced on Thursday that France will send troops, radar units and "defense systems" to Saudi Arabia. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the assistance, aimed at helping Riyadh counter Houthi attacks, is strictly "defensive" and

2026-09-27

President Macron announced on Thursday that France will send troops, radar units and "defense systems" to Saudi Arabia. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the assistance, aimed at helping Riyadh counter Houthi attacks, is strictly "defensive" and does not make France a partner in any Saudi campaign against the Houthis; when asked if the deployments could leave France classed as a co-belligerent he replied "absolutely not" and "never," adding that since (the US and Israel) went to war with Iran France has deployed forces to protect its allies and partners.