France will deploy military personnel, radar equipment and defense systems to Saudi Arabia’s strategic Red Sea port of Yanbu as European countries increase support for the kingdom against continuing Houthi missile and drone attacks.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom.

France will deploy troops and air-defense equipment to Saudi Arabia to protect critical energy infrastructure at Yanbu as continuing Houthi attacks place additional pressure on the kingdom’s defenses.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the agreement Thursday, saying Paris would provide military personnel, radar systems and defensive equipment intended specifically to shield the Red Sea port city and its energy facilities.

“This is the agreement we have finalized with the Saudis: we are going to send military resources, that is to say, soldiers, radar systems and defense systems, to protect this site – not to get us involved in any conflicts, but to protect this site,” Macron told French media Thursday.

Yanbu is a strategically important Saudi energy center on the Red Sea, making protection of the area increasingly significant as missile and drone attacks continue.

Macron emphasized that the French deployment is defensive and is not intended to bring France directly into the wider regional fighting. France instead plans to position personnel and equipment around the site to strengthen protection against aerial threats.

The move places France among several European countries providing or signaling military assistance to Saudi Arabia as Riyadh confronts repeated missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen.

Britain, Italy and Greece are among the other European countries supporting Saudi defensive efforts.

Air defenses were again activated Thursday as the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting six Houthi ballistic missiles headed toward Saudi targets. Separately, Reuters reported that a Patriot battery operated by Greek military personnel in the wider Yanbu area intercepted a ballistic missile and a drone.

The expanding European involvement reflects concern over attacks targeting or threatening infrastructure associated with Saudi Arabia’s energy system.

France’s decision adds soldiers, radar capabilities and defense systems to the protective measures already operating in the kingdom, with Yanbu becoming a particular focus because of its importance to Saudi energy exports and facilities.

Macron’s announcement comes as Houthi missile and drone operations against Saudi Arabia intensify, increasing pressure on Riyadh and its partners to reinforce air defenses around strategic locations.

France’s deployment is intended to strengthen that defensive shield without expanding the mission into direct participation in the conflict, according to Macron.

Macron was photographed during a July 10, 2025, press conference in London, England, in an image credited to Leon Neal/Getty Images.

Original article