France providing defensive military support to Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister says

France is providing Saudi Arabia with military assistance aimed at protecting the kingdom from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has sai

France is providing Saudi Arabia with military assistance aimed at protecting the kingdom from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has said.

Barrot described the assistance as strictly defensive, following an announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron that France would deploy military personnel, radar equipment and air-defence systems to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in an interview, Barrot was asked whether France’s support could amount to becoming directly involved in the conflict against the Houthis. He rejected that interpretation, stressing that the purpose of the deployment was to help protect France’s ally and its critical infrastructure.

The French foreign minister said that France had already moved military assets to support the security of its allies and partners following the outbreak of the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran. He emphasized that such deployments should not be interpreted as France becoming a combatant in the wider conflict.

Macron had earlier announced that French military resources would be sent to Saudi Arabia to help defend Yanbu, a major coastal city and an important centre for the country’s energy infrastructure. The French president said the deployment would include troops, radar systems and defensive equipment intended to protect the area without France becoming directly involved in the conflict.

The move comes amid continuing Houthi attacks involving missiles and drones against Saudi cities and key energy facilities. Yanbu, which hosts major oil infrastructure and an important terminal, has also been targeted.

The situation has raised concerns about wider disruption to global energy supplies. Tensions in the region have also affected major shipping routes including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait while concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have added to uncertainty in international oil markets.

The Houthis have reportedly threatened measures aimed at restricting Saudi Arabia’s energy exports. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has shifted some oil transportation routes toward the Red Sea following disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

France says its latest deployment is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities while avoiding direct participation in the broader regional conflict.