French forces in the Middle East have shot down around 80 Iranian drones since the start of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic, Le Journal du Dimanche writes.
“Around 80 Shahed drones were destroyed by French weapons in the airspace of partner countries“, the publication says. “Using Rafale fighters, Tiger helicopters and air defence systems, Paris is implementing a hybrid strategy to protect its allies and strengthen its military authority.“
However, the military admits that the financial feasibility of fighter jets using MICA missiles, which cost 600,000 euros each, against drones, which cost approximately 30,000 euros, is questionable. In addition, since the beginning of the conflict, it has become clear that ammunition stocks are insufficient. Therefore, starting from March 30, helicopters were deployed to shoot down Iranian drones using 30 mm cannons.
One of Paris' allies initially objected because the French helicopters were not equipped with the necessary communication systems to coordinate with their allies. It was decided to use them for joint patrols with local forces. The necessary Liason 16 system was later installed on French helicopters. The newspaper's sources did not specify which country caused the problems, but specified that the French armed forces operate in the airspace of Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and the UAE. “They insist that they will shoot down the drones themselves, and we act as a second line“, a senior officer admitted to JDD.
In addition, French ground-based air defense systems are located near strategic sites in the Persian Gulf countries. The newspaper notes that the chaos caused by US President Donald Trump in the Middle East has undermined the authority of the Americans as a guarantor of security in the region. Against this backdrop, France, by providing services to partner countries, hopes to conclude new economic and defense agreements.
Officially, the French government maintains a “defensive“ position in the current conflict. However, an unnamed French military officer told the newspaper that “defense agreements require confidentiality“.