26 February 2008 17:30 The UAE and Qatar have launched a series of military exercises with France in the Gulf. It is the first such action since French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced in January that France would build a 400-strong military base in Abu Dhabi to be operational by next year. France has committed 1,500 troops to the exercise, the UAE a further 1,500, and Qatar 3,000. Saudi Arabia has not committed its forces to the operation but King Abdullah has permitted the use of Saudi airspace and territorial waters. The exercises will focus on repelling missile and naval landings from the east, suggesting the Gulf states wish to rehearse in the event of any Iranian attack. The troops will also practice securing critical oil and gas facilities in the UAE and Qatar.
France has committed 1,500 troops to the exercise, the UAE a further 1,500, and Qatar 3,000. Saudi Arabia has not committed its forces to the operation but King Abdullah has permitted the use of Saudi airspace and territorial waters.
The exercises will focus on repelling missile and naval landings from the east, suggesting the Gulf states wish to rehearse in the event of any Iranian attack. The troops will also practice securing critical oil and gas facilities in the UAE and Qatar.
