PARIS — France will send soldiers, radar systems and defence equipment to Saudi Arabia to protect the strategic Yanbu oil terminal on the Red Sea, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday.
Speaking during a prime-time interview with TF1 and France 2, Macron said the deployment had been finalised in coordination with Saudi authorities. He stressed that the French mission would be defensive and would not involve French forces in the conflict.
“We are going to send military assets, meaning soldiers, radars, and defence systems to protect this site,” Macron said. He added that the deployment was “not to involve ourselves in any conflict, but to protect the site.”
Yanbu’s strategic importance
Yanbu is a major Saudi oil storage, refining and export centre. It is connected to the East-West Pipeline, also known as Petroline, which stretches more than 1,200 kilometres and has a capacity of up to 7 million barrels per day.
The Red Sea export route has become more important after disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz linked to the regional conflict. Recent attacks have also affected the pipeline and oil flows to Yanbu.
On the same day as Macron’s announcement, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six ballistic missiles launched toward the Yanbu and Taif areas. Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed attacks against Saudi energy infrastructure, including facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in Yanbu.
Details of French deployment remain unclear
Macron did not specify how many French personnel would be sent, which radar and defence systems would be deployed, or when they would arrive.
He also did not confirm whether Rafale fighter jets would be included. Macron said France already has aircraft in the region and would assess requirements according to developments.
The French deployment is intended to protect the Yanbu facility rather than involve French forces in offensive operations.
Macron also said France was continuing diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, including talks with Iranian and Omani officials.
Separately, during the interview, Macron described the security situation in Europe as worrying and said hostile acts had increased in recent weeks. He also denied reports that U.S. intelligence had warned French authorities about a possible Russian drone attack launched from the sea against southern France.
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